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Customer Service Is What We Do

Social Security has been in the customer service business for more than 81 years, and with Customer Service Week, October 3-7, at hand, it is an exciting time to share the importance of this long-standing tradition.

“My experience with SSA has always been positive.”–Edward M.

This week focuses on commitment to excellence in service. Many of you rely on us for our programs and services. While much of the assistance we give is during the most critical times in your life, it is our belief that with every interaction with us you deserve professional, courteous, and compassionate service.

Times have progressed from 81 years ago, when most customer-to-employee interactions were in person. Today, part of your changing needs is the convenience of quick and secure online service options to conduct your Social Security business. Whether you are home or on the go, you can visit www.socialsecurity.gov to use our many online services. And we are committed to customer choice, so you can always come see us in the office or call us on our 800 number.

812 thoughts on “Customer Service Is What We Do”

At the time of check in be more specific in asking for the reason for the visit, i.e. list necessary paperwork. I waited 45 minutes for someone to tell me I didn’t have the proper paperwork to change my name. Then when I came back I had to wait another hour.

My maiden name was Michelle Beckman and this comment was not made by me. Interesting there’s another “ME” out there. I would like to comment however that I live near both the Amarillo, TX and Clovis, NM offices. I use Clovis because they actually have an option to speak to a customer representative. The Amarillo office didn’t the last time I tried…you have to know the name of a representative and their extension number to even talk to anyone. You might check into that. Thanks!

Hell I called 3x today Each time there was a 40-45 minute waiting period. I waited 29 minutes and someone disconnected my first call. Th e next twoo I just held on for 10 minutes. I’m going to office on Wednesday at 8;30a.m.

Hi Jacquelin. We apologize for any inconveniences. Sometimes we experience higher than normal call volume. Generally, when calling our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later during the week. Our representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Our offices are open to the public on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays until 4:00 p.m. Every Wednesday at noon, offices are closed to the public so that employees have time to complete current work and reduce backlogs. Remember that many services are conveniently available anytime at our website. Individuals can create a personal my Social Security account to get general information about our programs or manage their Social Security benefits. Also, we respond to questions and provide general information on our Retirement, Survivors, Disability, Medicare and SSI programs through our Blog and Facebook page. If you have a general question, we encourage you to ask here. But remember, never post personal information on social media. We hope this helps!

I have spent 3 months and 20 hours of calls talking to representives who have assured me the issues are resolved to no avail, In the meantime I have not received no check that I am owed and am living on no income, this should not be this hard, appears to me that at least 10 representatives are not doing their job, not happy with ss as I have paid into for 47 years and am not getting any satisfaction from anyone and your website is a joke,cannot even set up a user account, when I try it says not available at this time, every time I try to do it, do your job please

We apologize for the delay and inconveniences you are experiencing William. Unfortunately, but for your security, we do not have access to personal records in this blog. Your local office should be able to assist you. You should be allowed to speak with the office’s manager to see how we can help to expedite resolution of your situation. If you cannot create an account, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions to read information on why you may be unable to. Also, you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” say “Help Desk” for help with a My Social Security account. We hope this information helps.

The Obama administration didn’t give us a COLA raise 3 years, but they gave the employees at the SSA a raise every year for bad customer service. If the cost of living didn’t go up, then nobody should be getting a raise.

I also did not have a good customer service experience. I have called 5 times now, always put on hold for lengthy periods of time, only to have a recorded message say at the end of more than 30 minutes of holding each time, “we cannot take your call right now” and the call is then terminated. Very frustrating.

We are sorry to hear that you are having difficulty reaching someone by phone, Mary. We are experiencing higher than normal call volume. Representatives are available between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday but generally it’s best if you call later in the week. Keep in mind that many of our services are conveniently available anytime at our website. We encourage our customers to create a my Social Security account. With a personal my Social Security account, you can get estimates of your retirement, disability, and survivors benefits, review your earnings record and much more. Also, through our Blog and Facebook page, we respond to questions and provide general information about our programs. If you have a general question, we encourage you to ask here. But remember, never post personal information on social media. Thanks.

If you started receiving benefits at age 62, you do not receive an increase at 70 or any other age, other than any cost of living increase that all recipients would get. That’s the trade-off of taking benefits early instead of waiting until full retirement age or later.

Thank you for contacting us Mr. Peterson. Remember that reduction factors are permanently applied to all benefits an individual may qualify for once they opt to start their retirement benefits at age 62 or at any time prior to their full retirement age. Your monthly Social Security benefit amount could increase, based on the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), which is announced each year in October, or if you continue to work. Also, any of our representatives will be able to review your record and verify your payment information. You may not even have to travel to the local Social Security office, you can write to us, or you can call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. Our representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Why would you suggest that Mr. Peterson waste his time waiting on the phone to talk to a representative? If he elected to take benefits at 62 as he said he did, then he isn’t going to get an automatic raise when he turns 70. All he will get is any COLA increases as you have indicated. I guess you think by suggesting he call and talk to someone, you’re offering help. All you’re doing is ensuring that he will be very frustrated after waiting to speak to someone and then learning that he isn’t entitled to an increase because he is 70 or when he turns 70. I guess you think that retired people don’t have anything better to do than wait on the phone to talk to someone from SSA. When is the last time you tried to talk to someone at SSA???

Ray is right. If Mr Peterson worked after starting his benefits, there are several ways that his benefits might have increased other than due to COLAs. Specifically there is the possibility of an Adjusted Reduction Factor (ARFs) at age 66 (Full Retirement Age – FRA). ARFs adjust benefits upwards if Mr Peterson earned enough money between age 62 and 66 so as to not be due all of his “early retirement” benefits. Another possible increase is an AERO (Automatic Earnings Recomputation Operation) if Mr Peterson’s earnings after age 62 were sufficient to replace one of the 35 years previously used in the retirement benefit formula. DRCs (Delayed Retirement Credits) are also possible after FRA, but Mr Peterson would probably be aware if had accrued this type of benefit increase as he would have needed to contact SSA and specifically ask to forgo one or more of his monthly benefit checks between FRA and age 70.

The point is that benefit increases other than from COLAs are possible. That said, it is highly unlikely that any of the “non-COLA based” benefit increases wouldn’t have already occurred automatically. Mr Peterson would have been sent a letter at the time any such increase occurred. If Mr Peterson calls, SSA will be able to determine if such an increase occurred and resend any previously sent letter.

If after calling Mr Peterson still believes he missed out on a benefit increase he was due, he can submit a written request to his local office for a recomputation of his benefits and he should include an explanation about why he believes his current benefit amount is incorrect. Unfortunately for Mr Peterson (or for anyone that agrees to a reduced benefit taken at an early age), there is no benefit increase possible merely for attainment of age 70. (BTW, the usual benefit increase seen at age 70 is when a claimant is able to switch from receiving a benefit as a spouse or widow to a benefit based on their own earnings record – after Delayed Retirement Credits (DRCs) have accrued. This does not seem to apply to Mr Peterson.)

Well said Robert. I’ll add that if you get hired to work for SSA nowadays & you take the time to provide the type of assistance SSA’s clients really need/deserve, you are unlikely to make it past your employment probationary period. Those that do won’t get promoted and their managers will “unofficially” tell them they would like to help them get promoted but they can’t (won’t) because the employee’s per client “handling times” are too long! It is one thing to (hopefully accurately) recite explanations of SSA’s programs, it is another to really help clients fully understand how SSA’s policies & procedures apply to them & to help clients properly and advantageously exercise their rights. The poorer & less educated the client, the less well the agency does in providing good service. Worse, employee time constraints & the resultant inability to accomplish tasks timely have fostered an uncaring attitude by agency personnel. Clients who experience payment and benefit problems (often due to agency fault or client misunderstandings) are now often treated by employees as impatient troublemakers or worse, as cheats and liars! Few employees are as concerned that their clients receive their payments/benefits as accurately and reliably as employees themselves receive their own paycheck. I find the culture that has emerged in the agency over the past thirty years morally corrupt and the antithesis of the service an agency like SSA should be providing. In SSA’s defense, much of the personnel cost-cutting at SSA has been politically driven either by voters & politicians that don’t want to spend money on social programs or worse, by politicians and capitalists that want the Social Security system as it exists today to fail so that the FICA money that funds it can be redirected to the private sector (where the inadequate service to the “most needy” uneducated/poor would likely be even worse).

Hi Tanya. In most cases, if you do not sign up for Medicare when you are first eligible, you may be restricted to other enrollment periods or be subject to late enrollment penalties. To learn more about the Medicare enrollment periods visit http://www.Medicare.gov. Individuals within three months of age 65 or older and not ready to start their monthly cash benefits can use our online retirement application to sign up for Medicare ONLY and apply for their retirement benefits at a later date. We hope this information helps!

I just waited 40 minutes on the phone to ask a question about my Medicare.. when I finally go a hold of a person, after hearing atleast 50 times the recording of the gut telling me the same thing that didn’t apply to me, i got a lady tjat shouldnt b talking to public at this time in anybody’s life.. she was so rude and inappropriate!! I was calling to double check something and she said as she was basically laughing at me, that’s not the way it works here! Like I knew? And she said, U just asked that question! Ummm.. no i didn’t? And I’m making sure I have health coverage!! Not a laughing matter, i can ask 3x if I don’t understand or if I’m double checking?? And basically hung up on me… what if I had another question? Do i call back and a wait another 40 minutes?? This wrong and ridiculous!!!

We apologize for any inconveniences, Jaclyn. Sometimes we experience higher than normal call volume. Generally, when calling our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later during the week. Our representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Remember that many services are conveniently available anytime at our website. Individuals can create a personal my Social Security account to manage their Social Security benefits.
To find information about Medicare, please visit http://www.medicare.gov
Also, we will respond to questions and provide general information on our Retirement, Survivors, Disability, Medicare and SSI programs through our Blog and Facebook page. If you have a general question, we encourage you to ask here. But remember, never post personal information on social media. We hope this helps!

Hi Tom. We apologize for any inconveniences. Sometimes we experience higher than normal call volume. Generally, when calling our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later during the week. Our representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Our offices are open to the public on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays until 4:00 p.m. Every Wednesday at noon, offices are closed to the public so that employees have time to complete current work and reduce backlogs. Remember that many services are conveniently available anytime at our website. Individuals can create a personal my Social Security account to get general information about our programs or manage their Social Security benefits. Also, we respond to questions and provide general information on our Retirement, Survivors, Disability, Medicare and SSI programs through our Blog and Facebook page. If you have a general question, we encourage you to ask here. But remember, never post personal information on social media. Thanks!

Ray, Personally I retired from SS when service was service. Unfortunately since congress has put the squeeze on SS administrative budget, which you know, currently amounts to less than a penny of each payroll tax dollar. This has caused reduction in staff, inadequately trained staff, fewer office hours available to meet public demands. Many who need and want personal service, find they are wasting the time and money in an effort to resolve their SS business. I know this because as a volunteer public advocate assisting SS beneficiaries with issues involving Medicare and SS issues I continually hear the frustration they experience on a daily basis, as a result of failed attempts to meet their reporting and filing responsibilities. Technique knowledge is great, but unfortunately many, and I’d guess a majority of elderly, are being discriminated against in that they lack the capability to and knowledge to complete their business in this manner. Thus congress needs to stop putting the squeeze on this very vital program.

Well said Robert. I’ll add that if you get hired to work for SSA nowadays & you take the time to provide the type of assistance SSA’s clients really need/deserve, you are unlikely to make it past your employment probationary period. Those that do won’t get promoted and their managers will “unofficially” tell them they would like to help them get promoted but they can’t (won’t) because the employee’s per client “handling times” are too long! It is one thing to (hopefully accurately) recite explanations of SSA’s programs, it is another to really help clients fully understand how SSA’s policies & procedures apply to them & to help clients properly and advantageously exercise their rights. The poorer & less educated the client, the less well the agency does in providing good service. Worse, employee time constraints & the resultant inability to accomplish tasks timely have fostered an uncaring attitude by agency personnel. Clients who experience payment and benefit problems (often due to agency fault or client misunderstandings) are now often treated by employees as impatient troublemakers or worse, as cheats and liars! Few employees are as concerned that their clients receive their payments/benefits as accurately and reliably as employees themselves receive their own paycheck. I find the culture that has emerged in the agency over the past thirty years morally corrupt and the antithesis of the service an agency like SSA should be providing. In SSA’s defense, much of the personnel cost-cutting at SSA has been politically driven either by voters & politicians that don’t want to spend money on social programs or worse, by politicians and capitalists that want the Social Security system as it exists today to fail so that the FICA money that funds it can be redirected to the private sector (where the inadequate service to the “most needy” uneducated/poor would likely be even worse).

It is a wonderful program. One thing wrong is we need our increase in benefits COLA, of at least 8 % for 65 plus now. Can’t wait. Elderly are dieing now without food, housing, utilities, medications, gas to doctor and much more. Not fair and not right.
A great program

I saw 2.3 on ssa website. Everything’s a secret until these see how they can lower it or not give it for a new reason each time.
A LITTLE COMMUNICATION EASES THE MIND.
So what is it now, since we’ve worked before SSI started.
SHAKESPEARE SAYS” Screw NOT FOR THEE WILL ALSO BE SCREWED.
Love ya but reality hurts.

Our COLA raise is base on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from the third quarter of the last year. Nobody on Social Security works, so why are we using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from the third quarter of the last year. Even the Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers doesn’t use this formula for their COLA raise. The numbers are cooked so we don’t get a COLA raise 3 times by the Obama administration, so they can fund welfare and Affordable Care Act with the interest we made on the Social Security Trust Fund. We made interest on our trust fund, but we have to reinvest all the money including interest into Us treasury security to fund welfare and the Affordable Care Act.

We got a COLA raise during every presidency since 1975, but the Obama administration screwed us over. Obama is in charge of the Department of Labor and the Department cooked the prices so we don’t get a COLA raise.

The Democrats are bankrupting the US treasury security with all these government spending. The Democrats don’t want to cut government spending. They can’t give us a raise because they spent all of our money in the US treasury security and got to borrow over a trillion more to keep the government running.

The millennials aren’t stupid to vote for Democrats. The Affordable Care Act was designed to make them buy medical insurance because the don’t use it, so they can offset the cost for people with preexisting conditions. The Democrats wanted the younger people to buy insurance because they don’t use it and it will offset the cost for people with preexisting conditions.

They also made it expensive for the millennials because the ACA had high monthly premium or very high deductibles where they couldn’t afford to use it. The high monthly premium and deductibles were due to the people with preexisting conditions.

The US military borrowed a trillion dollars of our Social Security Trust Fund money. How is the US military supposed to pay us back with interest. The US military isn’t reimburse by NATO or any country. The US taxpayers have to pay themselves back with more of their own money.

How do I return SSA Hearing Office mail sent to my address but with the name of the person not in my household? A month ago, I had returned one mailing via USPS to the generic SSA return address, but it appears the local Field Office or the Hearing Office still has the erroneous address for the claimant. Just this weekend I received another mailing from SSA which appears to contain the claimant’s Medicare Card, along with a larger envelope probably containing the ALJ decision; so I am assuming the ALJ’s decision was favorable to her, but her mail keeps coming to my address. How’s the best way to handle this?

Hi Joseph. Generally, all you have to do is “return –correspondence- to sender”. You could also report this activity by calling our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later in the day or later in the week. Thanks.

I wish there was a way to check the status of a claim? After a year there is no approximate date of a hearing. It would be nice to have even an automated response from a name given and then a approximate date?

Just cry Fibromyalgia, or Anxiety disorder, Bi Polar, or any other ignorant term you want to use, there is a list a mile long of all the ignorant excuses people are using in order to get even ssi benefits, because they younger adults and lazy, overweight, bullies that do not want to work. it’s pretty easy when these people find doctor offices that get tired of them coming so they sign or write a letter and then they start receiving checks. 733.00 for never really doing anything. What working one year qualifies these people for benefits. Whatever, it is rather embarrassing I would think for social Security Administration.

So I guess you are saying younger people are not disabled and don’t have disabilities and the ones who claim they do are just fat, lazy, and useless. How do you know that? What makes you so bitter you feel the need to judge people you don’t know and don’t know what they have gone through. Your comment seemed prejudice and makes it seem like you are a very bitter unhappy person for some reason. Why the criticism? What is reason you think that?

Thanks for your comment Dale. The length of time it takes to get a hearing can vary from state to state. We attempt to resolve all claims promptly, but there may be delays due to the volume of pending appeals in your area. The good news is that we are trying to conduct many of our hearings through video teleconferencing (VTC) to speed up the process. Visit our “Hearing And Appeals” web page for more information, and continue working with your attorney and local hearing office on specific questions about your case. Thanks!

We don’t have a good working relationship with Social Security as we work with Dept of Social Services Medicaid. They refer almost everything to us, where a lot of it is unfounded. The local office aren’t accessible to us as a State office, nor our clients, which complain to us a lot. Very frustrating. They need to be instructed in customer service !!!

Customer service-no way is it good! Staff do not want to give either a first or last name. If you can’t prove you gave it to them, they say you didn’t-that’s why I always have a receipt or have someone sign for what sent-but still have to duplicate what originally sent. Response on overpayment waivers is way too late and half the time already started recoupment even when sent the waiver request timely! Making payee changes takes 2-3 months-frequently have to resend even though I have proof it was delivered the first time. Most staff only know either SSI or RSDI not both which is time consuming if you have questions regarding both. Different answers from different staff. Staff never heard of saying “sorry” for their agency error(s). On a scale on 1-10 with 10 being excellent would give SSA at best around a 3. Yes, I know y’all are busy but be professional and at least acknowledge that someone might have misplaced it not assume it didn’t arrive and saying “sorry” never hurt anyone.

Bad experience always with SSA. I was enrolled in Medicare for 12/2015, and my premium should have remained $104.90 and I did not get increase in my SS benefit. SS have been overcharging me premium of $121.80 instead. I filed an appeal form with local SS office on 8/18, but till today they have not replied for explanation of deducting 2 mos premium from SS benefit of July, which was paid in August.

The COLA must be 3% for the health annuity to be 2.5%. There are not really any other right answers. Thank you for the information leading to the conviction of the Secretary of Treasurer for a second health related Theft and Bribery of Government Programs 18USC666, involving the actual deprivation of relief benefits 18USC246 in violation of Sec. 204(c) of the Social Security Act 42USC404(c) and King et al v. Burwell (2014) – robbing Peter Goss, SSA Actuary to pay Paul Spitalnic Medicare Actuary.

I am sorry that the best counsel I have for you is that it is possible for SSA to terminate Medicare Part B premium payments. The $121.80 Medicare premium should have been held harmless under Sec. 1840 of the Social Security Act 42USC§1395s and the Medicare Part B premium should be $104.90 until we get our 3% COLA. We are not longer letting 2.7% inflation get ahead of our 3% COLA.

HHS budgets FY 2015-17 and Health United States 2015 account books are broken and they must not be allowed to cause faultless social security beneficiaries real damages, like ACA refundable premiums and cost-sharing reductions have destroyed the Treasury and federal budget under King et al v. Burwell (2014). The United States must reimburse Medicare premium payers for overpayments they made over the $104.90 rate until a 2.5% health annuity is pegged against a 3% COLA. The Actuary’s 2016 Annual Reports of the OASDI and Medicare Trust Funds are insubordinate to the Summer Solstice Instructions of the Social Security Amendments of January 1, 2016 http://www.title24uscode.org/ss1.htm

Correction, the SSA Actuary’s name is Stephen C. Goss, not Peter. The Medicare Actuary’s name is Paul Spitalnic. I have been exhibiting a lot of amnesia regarding the names of politicians lately. I confused Paul Ryan with Ron Paul retired. Peter Orszag, 2009 OMB Director, must be the Peter, but he married and retired to run ultra-marathons without having to carry his computer in his backpack. There is no need for any robbing from Peter to pay Paul jokes. Paul Spitalnic Medicare Actuary robbed a social security beneficiary.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Acting Administrator Andrew M. Slavitt is the co-defendant of Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew. This is the third time I have suffered amnesia regarding Mr. Slavitt’s bibliographic reference that had to be corrected after publication. His center justified position in the June 22, 2016 report was nice but insufficient. He needs to write a Harmless Deal regarding the 3% Cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and 2.5% health annuity rule. The 2017 Closing 6% Cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) would earn Part B premiums a 5% health annuity bringing SMI Premiums from $104.90 to $110.15. The only legal alternative is 3% COLA and 2.5% health annuity to $107.50. 3% COLA and federal minimum wage and welfare benefit growth 2.5% health annuity, professional fee, managerial salaries and agency spending growth to promote income and price equality with a fairly constant 2.7% rate of inflation is the rule, broken only by the 3.4% average rate of interest on t-bonds.

Iam receiving Ssa since I had stroke 2010 after that my husband passed away I reported to social security same day he was receiving ssi also the person I reported the death to right away she told me you not qualified to receive his benfets since than I been struggling bad I want to know if any thing can be done for me thanks

My experience with Social Services is that the work they do is wonderful, but they are under staffed so it takes some patience to get it all done. So when I have contacted them, I have used the phone option and allocated an afternoon to be able to wait for the callback. But I have yet to find out they don’t get everything done in that phone call, and correctly. No complaints here.

I have tried a few times now to get through to the Pomona office. The office number that you can get with a search is only for Social Security media requests. The recording makes it very clear that they can not help with anything thing else. Today’s result in attempting to speak to someone…. called the 800 772-1213 and after going though an automated introduction that is way too long and requires that you put in a social security number, I was told that the wait is 45 minutes. All I want to know is whether they have a HICAP counselor. Sure I can drive over there but I would have liked a bit more Customer Service.

Yes. But you will either have to pay cash or prove to your mortgage company that you have adequate checks being received each month. They can tell you how much you need. You might have to have additional checks sent to you from your IRA or 401K. Money sitting in savings does count unless they can see that you are receiving an adequate check from it each month. Check with the mortgage company you plan to use. They can advise you further.

Anytime I have needed assistance, etc.,
regarding my Social Security Account I have always
been helped by an outstanding representative of the
Social Security Department — How nice it would be if
all of the federal agencies were as professional and
prompt.. Thanks for being there for all of us.

I have been helping needy folks apply for SSI and SSDI benefits for nearly twenty years and I can testify that level of service has drastically gone downhill. The new workers have limited knowledge and experience and they tend to blame the applicants for their(SSA) mistakes.
Time and again I have gone to the applicants and told them to ask for the supervisor because they have been turned away for the wrong reason after waiting for so long.
A lot of times the elderly and the disabled feel as if they have committed a federal crime and they become scared and confused.
I strongly feel that Social Security Administration should revisit their customer service policy and take a hard look at the disservice provided to the people it is supposed to be helping.

S.S. sent me a letter stating that because we have a minor child in the home we qualified for child benefits.At the interview the man asked me “Who pays for what” I told him I pay for the rent, utility, car, insurance and my my wife buys the food. He denied us because he said my wife pays more than I do for support. I asked for a hearing over 5 years ago but haven’t heard back from them and don’t expect that I will. When they overpaid me $13,000 they garnished everything I owned but when they owe you then forget it the employees are crooks!

I telephone SS and depending on the customer service rep. that’s the information I get regarding my questions. When I call back for more info regarding the same matter, I get DIFFERENT information. Need MORE consistency. I rarely know which way to turn because the representative’s info is DIFFERENT. I also get some people that are nice and some that are just plain bossy BIG TIME. One time I got a wonderful woman and I never have forgotten how helpful she was. I never got her again. 🙁

I was just approved for disability. From the time I filled out the paperwork to the day I was approved I have nothing but good things to say. I was treated with kindness. Questions were always answered, phone calls were returned.

Thank you Paulette! Your thoughts are important to us and we’re pleased when feedback is positive. We try hard to provide the best possible service to our customers and your satisfaction is our reward.

I am 59 and disabled due to a below the knee amputation from trauma received in a motorcycle accident. I have received an award letter stating I have met the medical requirements for SSDI beginning April 1, 2016 and the nonmedical requirements were now being reviewed. The young man who hit me had no insurance and my under-insured and uninsured motorist policies paid my medical bills until now. I used all my savings, what was left after the IRS penalized me withdrawing early, to pay my bills. I am now broke. I am about to loose my utilities because they can’t be paid this month or last month. How long does it take to see I have no earned income? I have tried to find work and nobody wants to hire a 59 year old, one legged electrician, who would have be trained to do another job, when I would only work for 5 more years maximum. how long do I have to wait?

The rule is that there is an automatic wait of 5 months from the day of approval. The payment month in which funds are received reflects money owed for the previous month, i.e., a check in June actually reflects May’s payment. Your 5 months will be over in Sept and you should receive your first check for October payment in November. You don’t get anything extra for waiting 5 months and just start receiving your regular amount with the first check. You should be receiving a letter this month explaining your first payment. Hope this helps. The 5 month delay begins from your date of approval.

Hi John. Current law requires everybody that is approved for disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance or SSDI program to serve a 5 month waiting period. The waiting period ensures that we pay benefits only to persons with long-term disabilities and avoid duplicating other income protection plans (such as employer sick-pay plans) during the early months of disability. The first Social Security disability benefits will be paid for the sixth full month after the date the disability began. In your case, if the state agency decided your disability began on April 1st, your first disability benefit will be paid for the month of September. Social Security benefits are paid in the month following the month for which they are due, so you should receive your September benefit in October. Special rules make it possible for people with disabilities receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to work and still receive their benefits. Social Security calls these rules “work incentives“. Also, our “Ticket to Work” program is a free and voluntary program that can help Social Security beneficiaries go to work, get a good job that may lead to a career, and become financially independent. Please read our publication Working While Disabled – How We Can Help for more information. We hope this information helps.

I started working at age 14 on my 14th birthday and worked for almost 3 years. I have siblings and my fathers Aunt that worked there also as a cook before I was even born. This company did not report my income. I see $88.00 for three years. I was paid 50 cents per hour. After school everyday at 3:30pm till 8:00pm. Saturday and Sunday each weekend at least 8 hours each day every weekend. The SS agent said without pay stubs or tax paperwork there was nothing I could do. Maybe the unkind, ignorant, thief, that was supposed to be taking care of me would have done this for me I would have been drawing all the money that I paid in out of each pay check. County workers are not very knowledgeable but adults my age, we do remember what we did and for who. Good grief!!

My experiences with SS a Customer Service have all been very positive. Admittedly, I very rarely call but have received good service each time. Yesterday, I called to do an address change. The wait times were expected to be long so I requested a call back. I received the call within in the time frame I requested and my issue as quickly settled. The representative was helpful, knowledgeable and personable.

I became a disabled person when a Developed Mentally Challenged Adult (male) struck me at a job I was working at. He was actually one that I was trying to help. It was during lunch period and I was joking with another adult worker and this gentleman came over and struck me very hard with his fist and I was injured. It caused mental health issues for me for many years. Well, I have gotten over most of these obstacles, but people still want me to stay the same of think I am. They don’t come around me or talk to me so how would they know? You cannot get to know how a person lives, or what they do if you don’t visit them. I am continually being told that I play the victim very well by a very close family member. I am a victim and I should be saying something. Too many years went by that I could not stand up for myself. Now, I have been homeless, been stolen from over and over, including my identity. Missouri is not the state to live in. They do not want to help people my age which is 64 they would rather protect the very people that were supposed to be a friend. Only long enough to get my private information and then start harassing me and NO ONE will help me. Shame on Social Security, Medicaid, and the county court system that allowed that person to steal what I had left.

Oh dear. This is so sad! Phones are not answered, voicemails are full, published phone numbers do not have a linked voicemail. Staff are not trained to research claim. Waiting 6 months for a retirement claim to be processed. “We are really short staffed at the moment. Be patient for 3-4 more weeks” Give me a break or a check would do! After all I and my employers paid in to SS all my working life

Something is seriously wrong with the customer service at this office. I have gone to the Anchorage office at least 4 times trying to get information on how to obtain a social security number for my son who was born abroad. Each time I saw someone different and was given different information or vague help. The people their do not seem have the training necessary to assist the public. The phone numbers listed are not valid or you are on hold for a very long time (45 minutes to an hour) to be just told you have to come in. It should not take hiring a lawyer to get assistance with what should be a simple matter if the social security employees had the training or knew where to find the answers to very important questions.

We apologize for the inconveniences Jay. For complete information on how to get an original card for your son read “Original Card for a Foreign Born Child”. Remember, you must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. Please continue working with your local office. You can request to speak with the manager to see how we can help to expedite resolution of your situation. Thanks.

“Social Security has been in the customer service business for more than 81 years, and with Customer Service Week, October 3-7, at hand, it is an exciting time to share the importance of this long-standing tradition”.
“My experience with SSA has always been positive.”–Edward M.
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Well I hate to disagree with -Edward M, but my personal experience with Social Security customer service has been a 44 year nightmare, with some of the most horrible experiences anyone could ever have! I lost out on a lifetime of benefits all because of three words in a Socialist Security rule and a moral decision I made.

I am 45 years old, a mother of three older children and physically disabled ( I was born with cerebral palsy ). I’ve never collected one red cent of money from the Socialist Security System, even though I have applied several times and they find me disabled.

Technically, I am an “adult disabled child” (please look this up, it is NOT SSI or SSDI) but have never been able to secure any benefits whatsoever from the Socialist Security system, even under that program because I got married to an “Able bodied person”. The Socialist Security system is too busy paying benefits to some people who scam the system and worrying about adult disabled children (who they pay benefits to off of a parents record) marrying an able bodied person. This gives them the justification to cut off benefits to the adult disabled child because the husband (in theory) can now support the disabled person. This theory works great, if your husband is rich and you have no need for money but what it actually does, is to force two adults (one disabled one able bodied person) to live off of one income. In the real world, the socialist security system is forcing adult disabled children to only marry other disabled persons (and NO able bodied persons) at the threat of loosing any and all benefits that they are entitled to.

If you are a physically disabled person (an adult disabled child) and you happen to marry an “able bodied person” you will be loosing out on a lifetime of benefits, all because of a one word “rule” that prohibits you from marrying an “able bodied person”. Best of all, they never tell you about their “Rule” so that they can justify cutting off any benefits that you may be due.

Because you are physically disabled (adult disabled child) and you choose not to marry another adult disabled child or disabled person drawing off socialist security, you WILL LOOSE ANY AND ALL BENEFITS FOR LIFE. This means that the SOCIALIST SECURITY system is TELLING YOU WHO YOU ARE ALLOWED TO MARRY and who you are
NOT ALLOWED TO MARRY! It is a discriminatory act “rule” and should be ILLEGAL!

Even though I am permanently and totally disabled, if I marry an “able bodied person”, somehow that marriage makes everything ok and I am no longer considered disabled (in the eyes of the socialist security system). Magically (because I married an able bodied person), the pixie fairies come down and cure my disability, because now I can just go out and find gainful employment, no one will discriminate against my physical disability and everything will be grand, right? Somehow magically, marrying an able bodied person makes my physical disablility dissappear and now I am cured, right? WRONG!

The issue is a special “Rule” that the Socialist Security System uses to discriminate against “certain” people. If you are a “physically disabled person” (AKA-certain people) and happen to marry an able bodied person, then the SOCIALIST SECURITY system will use special “Rules” to legally discriminate against you and deny you benefits, even if you appeal online.

The SOCIALIST SECURITY system has caused me a lot of economic hardship all because I married an able bodied person. The SOCIALIST SECURITY system thinks someone who is physically disabled (permanently and totally disabled) marries an “able bodied person”, that somehow magically they are cured of their physical disability and two people can survive off the able bodied persons income. WOW, talk about a bunch of bureaucratic idiotic thinking, that somehow this would not cause a financial hardship….. amazing.

The rules that the Social Security Administration uses to legally discriminate against persons who are “Adult Disabled Children” who happen to marry an able bodied person, are discriminatory. This is loosely referred to as the “marriage penalty” but I call it exactly what it is, a legal form of discrimination.
I firmly believe this rule, is an act of bias, prejudice and discrimination against people who (by no fault of their own) are born disabled and happen to marry an able bodied person

Please write your Congressional Representative and tell them to end this modern day form of Legal Discrimination. In this day of fairness and equality, there are still some people suffering from an outdated and oppressive bureaucratic rule.

(PS. notice how the only thing any of these SOCIALIST SECURITY workers ever say are quotes of the rules or processes, like a worker drone. They are unable to address any topics that fall outside of their rule books). Typical bureaucracy and bureaucratic responses, like trying to argue over lost change with a vending machine!

social security reply for my posting = silence……………. how’s that for customer service?

Please…Take some responsibility. Why didn’t you bother to ask anyone from SSA or check the rules before YOU got married to see what affect marriage has on the benefits you received as a DEPENDENT DISABLED ADULT CHILD?

Social Security is the biggest ponzi scheme and everyone knows how to scam it. The parent signs guardianship of their child to the child’s grandparents on Social Security retirement, so the child can get free Social Security money.

To clarify. Under current law, Social Security can only pay benefits to grandchildren if certain conditions are met. Generally, the biological parents of the child must be deceased or disabled, or the grandchild must be legally adopted by the grandparent. See “Benefits For Grandchildren” for more information.

The purpose behind a Disabled Adult Child (DAC) is to provide benefits for a disabled child who IS DEPENDENT upon a parent for their support. When you married “an able bodied person” you no longer relied on your parents for support but became a dependent of your spouse.

You constantly complain about how you are being discriminated as a result of your decision to marry who you chose to marry. It is NOT Social Security’s fault and this regulation has been in effect for a very very long time.

Chris
How does getting married make the adult disabled child any less disabled?
If a disabled child is DEPENDENT upon a parent for their support and their are two parents working and the benefits are paid off the social security of the parents. The adult disabled child is not putting any stress on the parents because the benefit is being paid by social security off a parents record.

Marrying a person takes that support structure away and now places the adult disabled child in a situation where two people are dependent on one persons income (not paid as benefits).

so, exactly how does getting married to an able bodied person, make a disabled person any less disabled? Is getting married to an able bodied person somehow going to help the adult disabled child find work and live a productive normal life? I think not.

SSA customer service got a big fat F from their inspector general’s office. That report uncovered alarming deceptions in the information provided or incorrect information or no information at all the help guide those needing help.

Patricia, do you have a link to that report? How about you Ray? I apparently missed this report and could not find it with a quick Google search. Thanks.

BTW, I’d say SSA often does fairly well for the masses – if your case is routine, particularly if it does not involve disability or SSI. However, if your case gets off the center of the most well-traveled path, correcting your record or other individual manual actions will often take months if not more. In the meantime, the SSA agents you speak to about the situation collect their checks but you may not be collecting yours. In T2 cases, even if SSA forces out “critical payments” to you, your Medicare benefits are often left in limbo, meaning that for all too many sick/disabled people, they are left with no access to the medical treatments they need for months at a time (unless the lack of medical coverage gets them sick enough to be treated at the emergency room). Even if SSA gives you a letter stating your Medicare claim is active, it does you no good if your doctor can’t validate your status with Medicare, meaning your doctor will usually refuse to treat you because as far as Medicare is concerned, you currently have no coverage.

The worst part about all this is that now for all too many of SSA’s clients, being stuck in a rut at the side of the road with no sign that help is really coming has become an acceptable predicament as far as the agency is concerned. Nobody seems to be able to do anything (i.e. really care) & you just get quoted meaningless/conflicting time-frames to getting the situation resolved. Even the Manager-to-Manager “critical case” procedure and/or Congressional inquiry/intervention often accomplishes little; these have all but become another routine processing step.

I wish I could be proud of the Social Security Administration, but unfortunately I am often ashamed – the way the agency treats so many of its most-needy clients tears at my heart. Such situations wouldn’t happen so often if God would somehow exchange a few of SSA’s administrative staff with the positions in which the agency all too often places some of its clients. Acting Commissioner Carolyn W. Colvin, will you please read this and do something to identify & expedite action on “stuck in a rut” cases involving Medicare that are taking entirely too long to resolve?

SSI is actually the more frequent offender in terms of “stuck cases” that are not being acted upon timely, but because SSI is handled almost exclusively at the local FO, these cases (and the many abuses to clients) are more easily hidden from upper administrative management. As a start to resolve this, please take a good look at ePath referrals in which reported mailing address changes do not get posted timely to the record (often due to conflicting info in MSSICS) – meaning mail & sometimes checks continue to get sent to obsolete addresses – and then the client often gets blamed (or at least pays the price) for any resultant problems! Another severe problem occurs in multiple entitlement households (often with RP involvement) – invariable the address and the direct deposit on the various records end up “out of sync” because SSA’s software doesn’t immediately identify and update all affected records together at the same time (manual action is usually necessary on each record).

It is also unacceptable how long it often takes for residence address changes to get from ePath to the SSI record, as often the client is unable to get the Medicaid services they need until the residence address change issue is resolved. In many cases we are talking about many months! Please please give this situation the attention it deserves.

The residence address change is a bit more complicated by potential changes in living arrangements, though I see no reason why the new State & County Code can’t be immediately posted on the SSID (if not by the TSC, then by the FO within a few days). Long term, SSA should push Congress to eliminate SSI ISM, as the administrative overhead to develop it is too high, it takes too long, & it is almost impossible to routinely properly/fairly develop. That said, the first and most simple action that can be immediately taken to resolve many of the above problems is to ensure ALL reported mailing address changes immediately get posted to the SSI record – even if that means CSRs bypass ePath & manually post mailing address changes directly to MSSICS & the SSID (something CSRs must already do when a RP is involved, though this doesn’t seem to be universally recognized – so in many cases RP mailing address changes are also not getting posted to the SSI record timely).

Acting Commissioner Colvin, thank you in advance for your attention to the above matters. Please don’t just turn these issues over to others such as a workgroup – get personally involved and insist on continued reporting directly to you! These issues are that important! The issues I addressed here are long-standing basic problems that have defied correction for many years. Epath was supposed to help resolve many of these issues (the TSCs were being blamed for messing up MSSICS), but now in many cases the delays in posting info from ePath (and RPS) to the SSID is doing as much harm as good.

Sorry but good customer serive and SSA don’t even belong in the same sentence. While I’m sure this doesn’t apply to all SSA employees some of the WORST customer service I have ever received has been dealing with them. A friend of mine was spoken to so rudely then hung up on and I heard the entire phone call. Maybe some states are better than others but the RALEIGH, NC SSA office is horrible!!! Even the supervisors are rude and nasty.

Customer service is what you DON’T do. That’s the biggest joke I’ve ever heard. I just spent an hour and 45 minutes calling 3 different numbers to still not have my issue taken care of. I’m trying to make a payment on an SSI overpayment. There’s no automated payment system, no online payment system, and they won’t even take a payment over the phone with a representative. If I mail a check or credit card number, it takes them 2-3 months to process it, so how do I know if the payment is considered “on time”? If you call the regional office listed in the letter (Birmingham), you’re put on hold for exactly 21 minutes, then the phone will just ring forever. This has happened every time I’ve called over the past year. The national office has a 30 minute + wait time, and then the rep didn’t seem to know what I was talking about and I had to wait another 8 minutes while he asked someone else. The local office here is much more responsive, but I got disconnected while calling there, then when I called back they said ‘their systems are down, you can try to call back tomorrow’. SSA seriously needs to modernize their systems.

My wife took here elderly nearly blind mother and law to the local Social Security office this morning to find out about recent over payments made to her account and to notify the officials of her husband’s death last week. After waiting 45 minutes in the waiting room, the security guard came out to tell everyone waiting to come back another day because the computer system was down. We live about a hour from the nearest SS office so this was half a day of wasted time and gasoline thanks to the SS Administration. What kind of Public Service is this? Ironically I see that this is “Customer Service Week” at the SS Administration!

We apologize for the inconvenience and we are sorry for your family’s loss John. Usually, the funeral director notifies us of an individual’s passing by contacting their local Social Security office. To verify this information was reported, you or your wife can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

i appreciate social security disability benefit. Because if someone can’t help him self by working he has to have some way to have income and rule his life. So i need to have social security disability benifit.

They can increase our Medicare Part B premium if we get a COLA increase for 2017. The Medicare Part B increase would wipe out the tiny 2017 COLA increase. Don’t get you hopes up.

This is what happens when the Obama administration cooked the CPI numbers for 3 years and denied us 3 COLA raise. We might be heading for four more years with another Democrat president.

The ACA suppose to lower medical insurance premium cost, but the medical insurance premiums are going up even faster than before.

The Democrats are using Medicare as leverage for insurance companies to stay in the ACA.

The Medicare Advantage plans are up coding patients medical records and charging more money. This gets past down to us with higher premiums.

The Obama administration also pays the Medicare Advantage plans Billions in bonus since they came out with the star rating in 2012. Then they have to charge us higher premiums to pay for the bonuses. Now they expect to raise the premium again in 2017.

They should stop giving the Medicare Advantage plans bonuses and end the 5 stars rating program. There is no surplus money in Medicare and we shouldn’t have to pay for their bonuses with higher Medicare Part B premium cost.

AARP is getting kick backs because they are also in the Medicare Advantage plans business. They aren’t watching out for seniors while their Medicare Part B cost goes up again by 22% this coming year in 2017.

Medicare is going broke, but the Medicare Advantage plans are getting billions in bonuses. Medicare increases our Part B premium again in 2017. If we get a Social Security COLA increase, then Medicare can increase the premium for those who got a COLA increase.

If a disabled worker receiving an unreduced SS disability benefit dies before normal retirement age, how is the widow(er)’s benefit calculated. On the unreduced DBL benefit the worker was receiving, or on a reduced benefit based on workers age at death?

People complain about waiting! I would camp outside the social security office for a weekif I could get action to direct deposit money for 4 checks (March and April of 2016) which were returned to social security because Indonesian banks stopped cashing all paper checks. Yesterday was my wife’s birthday and she was crying for about 20 minutes because the banks are demanding payment for money that we borrowed for living expenses. When you return social security checks it takes social security more than 5 months to direct deposit the funds- because we are still waiting we do not know how long it will take. The scary thing is that no one in social security can provide a time estimate! No one knows!

Hmmm. Customer service is what you do? You may want to mention that to the woman I had the misfortune speaking with last I went to the office in Omaha,Ne. I was very polite and prepared, I had a few questions. I had no problem waiting over an hour to see someone. Yet I after I was seated I was told, several times by the rude employee that I “didn’t need to come there, I could have gotten my questions answered online or by phone”. True, those were my other options, but was it HER place to decide in which format I should get my questios answered? Absolutely not.

The Social Security Administration is a very bad group.
They want to leave people in the gutter by making
additional demands that you must have another
fifty to two hundred dollars just to get your check
cashed. Mr. Obama and his wife are ruining people’s
holidays and hurting their arms and legs. Let us
get a bettter system with free checking accounts accross from thier offices .Three weeks-no money
SSA credit is non existent. Please let us know of
a way to get some moeny to open a bank account for
a loan for that and two pay it back. They ought make it illegal to charge more oney to get a check cashed
for a bank. these sick banks have been told that they can cash the check and take the amount in the
account–I guess it is to steal for themselves.
We are several groups writing for a better life.
Any money people can help out it but we were attacked by hoodlums and this is what this group wants please resign today and waste your way
of doing things somewhere else.

Contacting or visiting the Social Security Administration was a horrible experience, in visiting the office, the rep was not at all helpful, knew nothing, on the phone I had been referred to the office. This has been a nightmare, such a disgrace for the Seniors to have to experience this. It would be helpful to hire reps that can truly help clarify information or know what they are doing, who pays their salaries? Surely not me!

We apologize for the inconveniences Carol, and regret to hear that we did not provide the level of customer service you expected. Remember, many services are conveniently available anytime at our website, and beneficiaries can create a personal my Social Security account to manage their Social Security benefits. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

Are SSDI rules the same as SSD? I have applied for SS Disability because I can’t work to full retirement as I was hoping to be able to do.I have read in
another comment that after SSDI is approved there is still a five month with for
payment. I was not informed of this and am very concerned due to the delays
already created by my local office. Is this accurate and if so why wasn’t I informed?

Than you for contacting us Renee. When a claim for disability benefits is approved, the number holder (NH) must serve a waiting period consisting of 5 full calendar months. This period is long enough to permit most temporary disabilities to be corrected or for the individual to show definite signs of probable recovery. Social Security disability benefits are paid beginning with the sixth full month after the date your disability began. Visit our Disability Planner for more information.

Hi Rita. For some beneficiaries, their Social Security increase may be partially or completely offset by increases in Medicare premiums. To read more about the COLA, tax, benefit and earning amounts for 2017, click here.

My brother is 56 years old, on SSDI ,and has Medicare Part A. He declined Medicare Part B during his IEP because he has group health insurance under his wife who works for a large corporation. He now wants Medicare Part B and went to the SSA office in Virginia with his application and the CMS-L564 form from the employer documenting that he has coverage. The agents at the SSA office refused to accept his paperwork and said he now has to wait until he is 65 for Medicare Part B. They said it’s because he is disabled and that rules are different for the disabled. I called Medicare and was told this is incorrect and he qualifies to enroll under a SEP. The medicare agent also said a person can enroll during a general enrollment period, although those are specific time frames, and that rules for the disabled are the same as for recipients who have reached 65…no different. What’s our recourse when the SSA offfice won’t even accept the paperwork?

Hello Linda, we apologize for this inconvenience. For security reasons, we do not have access to personal records via this blog. Your brother should continue working with his local office. Also, he can request to speak with the local office manager to try to resolve this issue. See Medicare for Working Beneficiaries with Disabilities. If he is unable to visit the local servicing office, he may call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, representatives are available Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. We have referred your complaint to our Operations staff to follow up and to take corrective action as necessary. We appreciate your feedback, and thank you for bringing this to our attention.

I just got off the phone with a lady named Sandy. She would not give me her last name. I worked with people for 19 years and held the same job for the last 15. I have NEVER and I mean NEVER spoke to any rep who was a rude as Sandy was. She first told me she could not help me, then yelled at me when I repeated that back to her. She cut me off every time I opened my mouth and then told me I was listening to her. I had NO choice but to listen to her. I have never left a bad review on anything but this is unheard of. It makes me sad that people who may not have the willingness to fight back with her would get her and try to talk to her about their issues.

Hi Misty, we apologize and we regret to hear you did not receive the level of customer service you expected. Please keep in mind that many of our services, including applying for retirement, disability and Medicare benefits, are conveniently available anytime at our website. If you have a general question, we encourage you to ask here. But remember, never post personal information on social media. Also, you can create a my Social Security account to get estimates of your future benefits and review your earnings record. To submit your comment, complaint or suggestion, you can write to us or send us an email message. We hope you try us again. Thanks!

We apologize for the inconvenience Thomas. For security reasons, we do not have access to information about personal accounts in this venue. If you applied for a Social Security card and have not received it, you will have to make direct contact with the office where you applied to check the status. You should contact that office as soon as possible. We cannot help you with this issue over the phone. Thanks.

I am filing a complaint via this blog. No matter what time day or night I try to call Social Security it’s always a wait time of 45 minutes or longer. A caller can almost never speak with a representative. I have been trying all hours for over a month now. I do not want to drive to the closest office (at least an hours drive time and wait there to boot). The lack of responsiveness by this agency is unacceptable to us as taxpayers.
I need to get information which is nearly impossible. My next step is to file a complaint with the Inspector General and my legislators. Again, this is unacceptable and certainly lacks in customer service.

We’re sorry that you had difficulty reaching someone by phone. We may have been experiencing higher than normal call volume. Representatives at our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the week or later during the day. Remember, most Social Security business do not require a visit to a local field office. Many services, including applying for Retirement, Disability and Medicare benefits, are conveniently available anytime at our website. You can create a my Social Security account to review your earnings record and to get estimates of your future benefits. Also, through our Blog and Facebook page, we respond to questions and provide general information about our programs. If you have a general question, we encourage you to ask here. But remember, never post personal information on social media. We care about our customers and our representatives are working as fast as they can to resolve all inquiries, process new claims, and reduce backlogs. We hope you try us again. To submit your comment, complaint or suggestion, you can write to us or send us an email message. Thanks!

Can a step parent bring in all documents for the father to have the childs name changed? Updated Birth Certificate, Court orders, Fathers Birth Certificate, Social security card and Drivers license as well as marriage certificate?

Hi, Cierra. Generally, when applying for a replacement Social Security card for a child under the age of 18, we will consider the parent(s) or step-parent with custody, as the proper applicant. For more information on this subject, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions. To learn more on the process and what documents you and your child will need to get a card, please visit our “New or Replacement Social Security Number and Card” web page. As you noted, we need certified originals of the amended birth certificate, court orders, birth certificates, valid driver’s license and marriage certificate. We hope this helps!

Hello,
I am a child support case manager. Sometimes non custodial parents begin receiving SSA benefits and their children receive SSA derivative payments but the non custodial parents are told by SSA they can’t provide the non custodial parent with the beneficiary award letter(s). For child support this is very important so the non custodial parent (obligor) can receive credit for payments made from Social Security Administration to their children who they do not have custody of. Recently a non custodial father provided award letters of derivative payments for his children (who he does not have custody of) and we were able to make proper adjustments but they were sent to his attorney who then provided them to the non custodial parent. How can non custodial parents who do not have an attorney obtain the beneficiary award letters?

You have got to be kidding? I worked my whole life from age 16 to 65 to get this kind of horrid customer service? I cannot get through on the phone in less than 45 minutes and one time when I finally got through the person was an idiot and knew nothing more than what I knew from trying to search online. This is a disgraceful organization. Workers that should be fired. The offices have snarly, rude agents as well.

Hi, Mike. If you are receiving Social Security retirement or disability, you can create a mySocialSecurity account to change your address online once you’ve moved. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income, you should contact your local office immediately after you move. We hope this helps!

my name is jose luis molina born new york city i have supplment secuity and socail secuity payments been haveing problem were person stole id three time rfn number 11/04/2014 and 05/02/2014 number stolen place hardship to get new rfn number criminal live new york city
whom are taken disabilty id not giving ducument police mta
re 61 6633 re 61 20140-334 id thefits american passort book mail for rfn number 1540 fultion street brooklyn ny 11216 mail back rfn i never got passort book were was reported police conduct invesgation mattter id thefits
also criminal enage fcc talking socail secuity while makeing changes direct deposit payments month frame my payments making make changes direct deposit my supplments secuity bankamerica socail secuity mertpoltain commerica bank 99 park ave ny 10016
im have living arrtagment problem renting motel room income 829.00 month need room place live

My husband is very ill and I recently became his power of attorney. I wanted to find out how to become his representative payee for Social Security. We went to the office in Hackensack, NJ. The woman I spoke to said that they don’t accept legal papers and said that she had to fax a form to my husband’s doctor. I gave her the doctor’s fax number. When we got home, I realized that the doctor had changed his fax number. I called the office many times and gave the new fax number to workers over there. One time, I was put on hold for about an hour, and I was told that it was taken care of. It’s been a month, and the doctor still has not received the form.

Hi, Beatrice. We are sorry to hear about your husband’s condition and apologize for the inconvenience. For security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this venue. Please continue working with your local office, and if necessary, ask to speak with the manager to see how we can help to expedite your request. If you are unable to visit the local office, you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778. Representatives are available Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week. Thanks!

If it’s true that SSA is underfunded and understaffed right now, wouldn’t it perhaps make sense if more of these interactions could be done online? A friend was telling me that she needs to make payments to SSA and there is no way to do this online. In addition to her extreme frustration with being unable to get correct information by telephone she says there is no easy way to resolve issues with your department. Can you address this question specifically?

Is this post a joke? I routinely wait over an hour for someone to answer the phone – no matter what day I call – and am them usually treated very rudely. I’ve been treated with suspicion every single time, and I have been given incorrect information more than once. On occasions when I visit the office I am handed a post it with the 800 number and told that I need to call in. And this tends to be a monthly ordeal to get an SSI check, my sole income.

Miles of comments about phone agents taking up to 1.5 hrs to “get to you”, and no SS official will fix the problem because they could care less.

Didn’t get my direct deposit. My BD fell in the first part of Sept. Agent personally told me, I’d get my first direct deposit the 2nd week of October. Yah? Where is it? Its the 12th of October. Direct deposit is the fastest way to get it yet….. NO RETIREMENT BENEFITS. There were no holiday’s that interrupted service on the the day it SHOULD have been deposited.

Hi, I had an appointment for SS to call me at 11:45 Pacific time. I got a reminder call yesterday confirming it. I’ve been waiting for an hour for someone to call. Am I missing something? I thought you would have someone scheduled to call me at that time. Thank you.

This system is ridiculous. SSA has gone overboard with security. Now I cannot apply for fuel assistance because my phone number changed. You wont let me verify it and now you are holding up my heat assistance. It is cold in New England! I CANNOT SIGN IN, USPS MAIL IS NOT AN OPTION PLEASE RESOLVE!!!

Hi Frances. We are sorry to hear that you are having difficulty reaching someone by phone. Sometimes we experience higher than normal call volume. Generally, when calling our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later during the week. Our representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Remember that many services are conveniently available anytime at our website. Individuals can create a personal my Social Security account to get general information about our programs or manage their Social Security benefits. Also, we respond to questions and provide general information on our Retirement, Survivors, Disability, Medicare and SSI programs through our Blog and Facebook page. If you have a general question, we encourage you to ask here. But remember, never post personal information on social media. Thanks!

I turned 66 on 9/5/2017 and applied for Social Security benefits in August 2017 at Glendale, California office in order to get 50% of my husband’s Social Security earnings. I am presently working and plan to retire in two years. Even though I submitted all the required identifications including marriage certificate, pay stub, void check, and was told I would start receiving benefit checks starting in October 2017, I have not received any check. When I visited my nearest Social Security Office to find out the reason, I was told that my case was not processed. I’m wondering what type of customer service is this? How come the agent who was filing my case didn’t do his job?

I waited over an hour on the phone just to ask a question about my benefits. Before I got to my question I had to answer about 10 security questions. During my answithe questions she was rude and condescending and told me to speak more clearly. I was speaking clearly and slowly and she hung up on me before I could ask my question. What a bitch. Social security sucks.

I applied for spousal benefits in july. My husband passed in February, it took that long to get an appointment. It is now almost Nov. When I call to find out the status i get no response. What should I do?

Hello Donna, we apologize for this inconvenience. For security reasons, we do not have access to personal records via this blog. Please continue working with your local office and know you can request to speak with the office manager to see how we can help to expedite resolution of your situation. If you are unable to visit your local servicing office, you may call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week. Thanks.

you never have enough people working to pick up a phone …taxpayers pay for this …i am on the phone now for one hour waiting to ask why my user name and password are not working because your a pain in the neck to reach i would rather use the web

If you are having difficulties with your personal my Social Security account, please call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” say “Help Desk” for help with a my Social Security account.

Whenever I try to get access to an account, I am asked a series of questions. Some I can answer. However, very often I am asked questions which relate to my ex-husbands’ families. I can’t answer these. I am divorced from these people and don’t know them. And when I can’t answer the questions, I am told that I can’t have access to my account. I think this is unfair. Can’t the questions relate to me and my background rather than my divorced spouses children and their backgrounds and my ex father in laws? I have no knowledge of them and can’t remember my ex fathers in law’s birth dates. In fact, I wiped my past from my life and moved on. Can’t you change those questions to relate to my here and now? Why must I keep track of my divorced spouses and their families–with whom I have no connection. Please examine this and help me out. I realize you are trying to protect me with questions. But the questions do not relate to me from divorces of over 40 years ago.

We apologize for any inconvenience, Mary. If you are having difficulties with your personal my Social Security account, please call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” say “Help Desk” for help with a my Social Security account. Thanks!

I have been waiting over a month just to find out if i can be my dad’s Payee/Rep. Nothing has come in the mail to let me know. I have also applied for Medicare card and SS cards for him and nothing has come. I am very upset about this and it’s a shame that it is not taken care of. My dad is 90 and is unable to take care of things and now i am doing it for him and can’t get anything done. Hope you can help!

Hi William. Unfortunately, but for security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media and communicating personal information via email. Thanks!

I could not sign on on my account. I said my password or user name was wrong but not which was wrong. Need my password and/or user name reset or send me new ones so I can sign in to my account. I was told I would have to wait 54 minutes when I called by phone. Call me at 817-903-8668 or an alternate number of 862-597-4355.

We are sorry to hear that you are having difficulty reaching someone by phone. We are experiencing higher than normal call volume. Representatives are available between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday but generally it’s best if you call later in the day. Just a reminder- please be cautious about posting personal information online.

I tried to phone but I can not over 50 minutes for a ssa person. I am very willing to use the internet if I can get my user name and password would accept. I have used my account previously when it worked.

I want to report the death of my wife. You Social Security people need to know this. I tried on the phone. I waited for over an hour. A nice woman came on the line, and then we were disconnected, and she asked if I were there, probably six or eight times. We never got reconnected. How said. The passing of my wife is bad enough. I just really need to report it to you, and find out what, if anything, I need to do now related to her. Her name is
LaRee Jensen, SSN*** – ** – ****
Deat Date October 25, 2017

Please tell me what I need to do about this. I do not want to pay for her Insurance Premium any more.

For the last two days that I have called to get help, I have to listen to a lengthy description of COLA % and then I get a generic message stating the no agents are available to help and call back later. It then hangs up on me. Terrible customer service.

Our apologies, Thomas. We’re sorry that you had difficulty reaching someone by phone. We may have been experiencing higher than normal call volume. Generally, when calling our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later during the week. Our representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Please try again.
Remember that many services are conveniently available anytime at our website. Individuals can create a personal my Social Security account to get general information about our programs or manage their Social Security benefits. Also, we respond to questions and provide general information on our Retirement, Survivors, Disability, Medicare and SSI programs through our Blog and Facebook page. If you have a general question, we encourage you to ask here. But remember, never post personal information on social media. We hope this helps!

We apologize for the difficulty you’re having when trying to reach us by phone, Gary. Sometimes we experience higher than normal call volume. The number appears to be working, please try again. Representatives at our toll free number (1-800-772-1213) are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. You will generally have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Keep in mind that many of our services are conveniently available anytime at our website. We encourage our customers to create a my Social Security account. With a personal my Social Security account, you can get estimates of your retirement, disability, and survivors benefits, review your earnings record and much more. We appreciate your feedback, and thank you for bringing this to our attention.

Hi. I have tried to contact by the 800 number twice today. I waited 55 minutes the first time and 50 minutes the second time. I was hung up on by both employees after asking to speak to a Supervisor. I hope my calls were recorded. After giving just a minimal amount of information for my child I was told by SSA employee teleservice person female that my child would not get disability, don’t I know this is just a step up from Welfare. I was not aware she is a pyhsician or that she makes that kind of judgment for my child. WHAT????????????????????I do not see you care about customer service or the welfare of my child who has a chronic, lifelong disability. When I talked to LeeROy the second time waiting on the phone for over 50 minutes- I didn’t get to finish with the information before I was told I called a different service center the first time? Of course like I don’t know that. And then he hung up on me. So two hours of my day and we are no longer closer to helping my son than we were this morning. THe first female call person stated :” He will be denied b/c this is a step above wel-fare and you work and he will be denied because you have a 403b with the State of Texas!!!!! I requested to speak to a supervisor and she hung up on me. If my son’s clairm for disability benefits is very important to you the SSA why did this happen today???? I filled out everything appropriately and called like the SSA requested.

My name is Sarah Ann Carder.
I’d like to change my address and phone number. Please tell me how to do this. I’m currently on hold with your office. They say it is a 50 minute wait. Just thought this might be quicker. Thank you.

Hi Sarah. If you get Social Security benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability) or are enrolled in Medicare, you can change your address online by using a my Social Security account. If you do not receive Social Security benefits, SSI or Medicare, you do not need to change your address with us. Thanks!

Does your customer service include responding to Email? I’ve sent in 2 Email requests for the link to the page where one can request a “call back” from SSA/Medicare. Have not received a response to either Email.

Earlier this year (Feb. 2017) you offered a call back service when there were long waits at the 1-800-772-1213 number.
I used it once and it worked GREAT.
Today (Nov) that call back service appears to be no longer available.
Either I get told “long wait–call back” or twice I have waited one hour and then got disconnected (hung up on).
Very frustrating.
You get a great big “PATHETIC” on customer service.
I do not want to go to my local office and stand in line for 4 hours.
Please advise on a way forward.

I have been on hold for 2 hours now. “We serve over 150 million people and as a result we do have relatively busy periods,” is a poor excuse for not providing bill-paying services, especially when paying the bill has life-and-death consequences. I’ve never had a phone call to SSA take less than an hour.
I did not receive a medicare bill & want to know how & how much to pay.
Two quarters ago, I received a bill dated a month-and-a-half previously telling me my payment must be received on a date which was the next day. Cancelled my clients, went to the office, paid the bill that day, and my medicare was cancelled.
I don’t understand why I can’t pay this bill on line like any other, why I can access the rest of my account but not my billing account, nor why, if I must phone, it should be this difficult to do so. I’m educated and fairly intelligent. How do others manage?
Hope my medicare isn’t cancelled again. This is actually terrible customer service, worse even than Centurylink or Citibank.
Took 15 minutes to plan and type this comment. I’m still on hold, so my phone may die.

“Survey” offers a choice of irrelevant responses.
*I was not offered the option of having SSA call me back so how could I choose to use or not use it?
*Yes, I waited over 30 minutes, but why not ask if I waited over an hour or over 90 minutes or over 2 hours?
* Referred to a number that I can no longer call tonight because I was on hold so long isn’t really a partial response to my question.

Our apologies, Catherine. We are sorry that you had difficulty reaching someone by phone. We may have been experiencing higher than normal call volume. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot provide any assistance with your Medicare billing. You will need to speak with one of our agents. Representatives at our toll free number (1-800-772-1213), are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Please try again. Or you can contact your local Social Security office directly. Thanks.

We’re sorry that you had difficulty reaching someone by phone, Dave. We may have been experiencing higher than normal call volume. Representatives at our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. You will generally have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day.
Keep in mind that many of our services are conveniently available -anytime- at our website. We encourage our customers to create a my Social Security account. With a personal my Social Security account, you can get estimates of your retirement, disability, and survivors benefits, review your earnings record and much more. Thanks!

I just called the SSA 800 number to report the death of my mother. The automated system asks me “What is your Social Security number?” I am of course reluctant to put in my own SSN for fear I will get killed off in the system. I am then advised that there is an hour and 15 minute wait time to speak to a rep. It seems to me it would be a lot better if the automated system asked for “the SSN of the deceased person” or “the SSN of the person reporting the death,” depending on which it is you actually are asking for.

We are sorry for your loss, Paul and apologize for any inconvenience. Typically, the funeral director notifies us of an individual’s passing by sending the deceased person’s death certificate to the local Social Security office. Generally, when calling our toll free number (1-800-772-1213) you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day. You only have to request to speak to an agent directly. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks.

We’re sorry that you had difficulty reaching someone by phone, Susan. We may have been experiencing higher than normal call volume. When calling our toll free number, you may have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Representatives at our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Remember that many of our services, including applying for retirement, disability and Medicare benefits, creating a my Social Security account, requesting a replacement Medicare card, or reporting a change of address are conveniently available -anytime- at our website. Thanks.

I just want to know what my benefits would be if I retire. You don’t send out the notifications any more so you can save money and I can’t access the info online. I certainly will never get through to customer service. Should I just go to a SS office in person? How long should I expect to be there for? Should I plan an overnight stay? Is there anyother way to get my info?

I am trying to sign up for social security, but cannot due to unknown reasons, the on line system just says to contact social security. Right, I really have an hour to wait until they answer the phone, that is after the 10 minutes of idiocy I have to endure before I even go into the wait que. Either hire people not computers, or privatize the blasted system. Remember, YOU WORK FOR US!! Best yet, hire some private people to show you what customer service on line means. I would be happy to help.

The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) notices for 2018 are mailed during the month of December. If you need proof you get Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security (SSI) Income or Medicare, you can request a benefit verification letter online by using your my Social Security account. Thanks!

We are sorry to hear of your loss, Eugene. You cannot report a death or apply for survivors’ benefits online. In most cases, the funeral home will report the person’s death to Social Security. To verify the information and to see if you may qualify for survivor’s benefits, call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Or visit your local Social Security office directly. Thanks.

When I retired in1995 one of the nicest things to happen was to receive my first SS refund check of over $1300.00. However, I was rudely awakened a month or so later with a demand letter from you wanting me to refund the same amount. You have been punishing me $1000.00 per month for more than twenty years equaling more than $240,000.00. I think I have suffered long enough. Would you please reconsider what should be my fair share of the actual amount I put into the program?

I have never received any decent customer service from Social Security in over ten years, including today’s 53-minute wait trying to update my direct deposit info, URGENT request because my account was hacked. After giving the “Customer Service” rep my info 3 times, I was told to go in to my local SS office. Then tried emailing for help and got a list of articles to read. Then tried emailing for a call back and got put on hold for another 20 minutes (so far). They are not quick, they are not efficient, and they do not care about anyone’s problems but their own. Sick joke., our govt. as usual.

This is a complaint about the customer service representative we spoke with on the phone on 12/19/17 at approx. 11 am PST. Ref #09600526. The female representative was rude, impatient, and did not listen to what our request was. She was discourteous when we were responding to her questions and when she was talking to the elderly recipient. She did not listen to what our request was and was impatient, and then abruptly hung up the phone saying that she wouldn’t help us. Although it is difficult for cognitively impaired recipients sometimes to respond to questions asked of them, I am sure that your representatives are required to be professional, patient, courteous, and helpful. She was none of these things. She discouraged this senior from ever talking to social security again. This is improper and unfair. As a result this senior is going without services that seriously impact on her daily living.

Hi Becky. We apologize for the long wait, and regret to hear that we did not provide the level of customer service you and the person you were assisting, expected.
To provide more information of this situation and submit your complaint, you can write to us or send us an email message. Thanks!

Hi Ricky. For security reasons, we do not have access to personal records via this blog.
If you returned to work full-time, and need to report your work activity, you need to contact your local office.
Reporting your work activity will help to prevent an overpayment on your record.
If you are unable to visit your local servicing office, you may call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week.
See our “Returning To Work” web page for more important information. Thanks.

Ssa phone number is a bad joke. Spent a week calling just to prove that my daughter’s ssi stopped. I swear I wanted to jump off two bridges. 5 hours, 11 call and two phones later still haven’t spoken to anyone and the calls keep getting dropped. D’s needs to know that some of us work and cannot spend endless hours on the phone or at your office. It should not be so ridiculously horrendous to retrieve a statement of income or termination of income. The epitome of all that’s wrong with this country

We apologize for the long wait. We may have been experiencing higher than normal call volume.
Representatives at our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks!

We apologize for the long wait, Edna. We may have been experiencing higher than normal call volume. Generally, when calling our toll free number (1-800-772-1213 / TTY: 1-800-325-0778), you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
If you have a general question, we encourage you to ask here. But remember, never post personal information on social media. Also, you can create a my Social Security account to manage your benefits. We hope this helps!

I have been on hold for 2 hours after been on hold for hour and 15 minutes and getting disconnected without being able to speak to anyone and your office is now closed so I am unsure if my call will be eventually connected or if supposed to hang up now and try again tomorrow. I’m truly fustrated and cannot find an answer either.

Hi Penelope, we’re sorry that you had difficulty reaching someone by phone. We may have been experiencing higher than normal call volume. Remember, many services, including applying for retirement, disability and Medicare benefits, requesting a replacement Medicare card, reporting a change of address, and creating a my Social Security account, are conveniently available anytime at our website.
If you have a general question, we encourage you to ask here. But remember, never post personal information on social media channels.
Representatives at our toll free number (1-800-772-1213), are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week. Thanks!

On Nov. 3rd 440 was taken out of my check leaving me 520 to pay all my bills. They said it was for paying part D of medicare. They said i didn’t have medicaid but have had medicare 20 yrs. Any the money they took out was for paying medicare part D. They too out payments doe sept., Oct., Nov., and December. I was supposed to receive a refund in or before, and I am going in my 90 days this month and still no refund. I only get 966.00 and have been negative on some accts. since this happened. There should that one half of a check is means for suing . I NEED my money and will have to go to serious means if that money is not refunded this month..

Hi Brenda. Unfortunately, but for security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog. Under these circumstances, you need to continue working with your local office. If you are unable to visit the local office, you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week.
Just a reminder – Please be cautious about posting personal information on any social media channels. Thanks.

Hi kenneth, to see if you’re eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card, please visit our “New or Replacement Social Security Number and Card” web page.Just a reminder – Please be cautious about posting personal information on any social media channels. Thanks!

I have recently moved to another state and have also relocated\ my bank account to where I’m living. How do I go about changing this information? I’ve had to move because I have Alzheimer’s and need my families help now days. I need to know how to change this information.

Thank you for contacting us, Victoria. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions web pages on how to change your address and how to update your direct deposit information.
Also, if you need help managing your Social Security benefits, please consider having a Representative Payee.
A Representative Payee is different than having “Power of Attorney”. It allows the representative to update information on your Social Security records. When friends or family are not able to serve as payees, Social Security will consider qualified organizations to be representative payees.
Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for further assistance. Our representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Or visit your local Social Security office. We hope this information helps!

I have tried to talk to a rep for three weeks at all times and have never had less than a 1 hour wait. I want to know what my direct pay benefit will be. You have your 2% cost of living, the fact that Medicare B gets taken out, the fact that IRMA is taken out and so I can’t figure out my total monthly benefit. I don’t want to leave my number in an e-mail. This will be the fourth week that I am trying to speak to someone and get this information. How can this be accomplished. Beverly Rosen

We are sorry to hear you’re having difficulties reaching one of our representatives by phone. We can understand your frustration.
Sometimes we experience higher than normal call volume. Generally, when calling our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later during the week. Our representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. We hope you try again. Or you can contact your local office directly. Thanks.

The SSA-1099 showing the amount of benefits paid during last year and the amount of any voluntary Federal tax withheld, is mailed by January 31 each year. You can only get a replacement form SSA-1099 beginning February 1st, using your personal my Social Security account. Thanks!

I’ve waited on the phone twice today to speak to someone; first for 50 minutes and then for over an hour; when it did seem like someone would answer, I got a busy signal. Can someone call me about my application? my number is 210-658-2494

We’re sorry that you had difficulty reaching someone by phone, Gerald. We may have been experiencing higher than normal call volume.
Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot provide information on the status of your application.
Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Representatives at our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
You can check the status of your application using your personal my Social Security account. If you are unable to open a my Social Security account, you can still call 1-800-772-1213 to check your claim status by using our automated system using the confirmation number you received when you filed your claim. We hope this helps.

This is only talk unless you actually deliver customer service. I have called my local office’s general number and gotten good customer service. But when I need to talk to an individual I have been referred to, three different times I’ve called, since I went on Disability, and 1: they never answer their phone, 2: they have never called me back, ever. Been waiting for 2months for a call back.

January 2018 Review (I am Mother & Payee) for disabled adult daughter’s account. Jasmine, at the SS San Rafael, CA office was not only continuous, but many times accused me of being “agitated’ & “defensive”. I politely explained that I was “frustrated” with my disabled daughter’s paid aid, not mailing in pay stubs from 5 yrs. ago. Because she repeated the same phrase, I suspect it was a result of her “training”. This is not how people are to be treated. What happen to common courtesy & empathy? Finding a positive & caring solution? Jasmine is not an asset. She is a demeaning angry person that gives the SSI a bad image.

Please accept our apologies, Jan. We have referred your complaint to our Operations staff to follow up and to take corrective action as necessary. We appreciate your feedback, and thank you for bringing this to our attention.

Please help me with my unresolved social security issue. I have trying to withdraw from social security since August 2017. My paperwork has been sent in and it seems to be stuck in the system. I have been calling on a monthly basis and keep being told to call back in 30 days. This has been going on since August. I need to receive my letter telling me how much to pay back but cannot get any help in moving this forward. I am beyond frustrated and cannot get an answer or any action.

We are sorry for your loss, Mary. If a Social Security benefit payment is returned to us after the beneficiary’s death, you may have to complete a request (Form SSA-1724 / Claim For Amounts Due In The Case Of Deceased Beneficiary), to help us decide who should receive any payment due. Also, you should check to see if you’re eligible for additional benefits.
Unfortunately, but for security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog. If you’ve completed this request and need to follow up on the status of the payment or your survivor’s benefits, continue working with your local Social Security office. If you’re unable to visit the local office, call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and speak to one of our agents. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks.

I have had the worst experience with Social Security’s Gainesville, GA office. Ms. Jolly told me to speak only with her, as I had received different information from several different operators. When I call to speak to her, she is NEVER available, and I cannot be called back, as I have a European phone number (I am an American citizen living abroad). I have called multiple times today, and have been refused, yelled at, and hung up on, as well as being told that I will continue to be hung up on if I call again. This is after having been told on Tuesday that they could actually call me on an international number – maybe. I have been dealing with this issue for nearly 15 years. I am appalled at unprofessional manner at this office. The manager speaks broken english with an accent so thick I can barely understand her.

My Deaf brother has been informed that he needs to repay SS $65,000 due to an error in 2015. At that time in 2015 he was overpaid by his employer. This error was not found until recently. How is it that he is only being told this now, after years of receiving benefits? There is no way he can ever repay that amount of money, let alone by a “due date.”
The few responses he has received from your agency have been off-putting at the very least and have definitely been uncaring to the point of being rude and dismissive.
He is a very private person and does not share such things with anyone unless he feels defeated. For obvious reasons he is angry and afraid. Can you help and how?

I have left a number of request for help with the on line account set up and have not heard from anyone. Calling your 800 number is impossible to get thru. I have not been able to complete from without your program suspending the attempt to enter information stating it does not recognize her name. Please call me 504-701-4372 so we can complete the task.

I called the number on the Social Security website today and was given a wait time of 1 hour. I am still currently on hold and it has been 1 hour and 15 minutes. I am calling because my taxes have been rejected 5 times due to my birthday being wrong in your system. I did some online research and found that this is a common issue. So, between the excessively long hold time for phone calls, and the technical issue with your faulty record keeping system, I feel it is safe to say that this agency knows nothing about customer service.

Thanks for your question, Don. If you are already getting Social Security retirement benefits, you will be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B automatically (at age 65). However, because you must pay a premium for Part B coverage, you have the option of turning it down. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and speak to one of our agents to find out specifics about your Medicare benefits. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

I waited for an hour to talk with someone at the ss office when I finally reached someone and while he was helping me with my problem we got disconnected,now I don’t have the minutes to call back. How do I find out if he was able to help me resolve the problem?

We apologize for the long wait, Denise and regret to hear that your conversation was not completed. We may have been experiencing higher than normal call volume.
Remember, if you’re receiving Social Security benefits, you can manage your benefits online at any time by creating a my Social Security account.
If after creating an account, you’re unable to verify whether the information on your record was updated, you will have to contact us again. Generally, when calling our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, you will experience a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks.

Why can’t I leave a call back number. Is it due to where I live? Do you know how painful it is to hold a phone for over an hour if your hands are arthritic? Why do you assume no one else’s time is important?

Please I need your help. In recent past days I mistakenly wrote either my user name and or my password so after several tries my access is now blocked. I have tried reaching social security services here in costa rica but they don’t even answer the phone. How can I get a new password and username and get my electronic access unblocked?

Hello Maria. The “my Social Security” authentication system requires address verification as one of the essential criteria for issuing an account. People with APO/FPO/DPO addresses can create an account overseas, but our system does not support registration and account creation for users with a foreign address yet.
Please contact your local U.S. embassy or consulate for any assistance related to your Social Security benefits. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. Thanks!

Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot answer your question at this time. One of our representatives should be able to provide you with an explanation. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks.

Hello SSA,
on 15 February 2018 I was contacted by
ANNETTE WINN
SSA CLAIMS SPECIALIST
RICHMOND, CA
concerning my application for retirement benefits. I want to highly commend that individual for her superb customer service and the compassion she showed during the contact. I did not expect this level of service from the SSA, especially considering the workload the claims specialists must be subjected to.
Congratulations for having such a great employee

We thank you for your kind words, Dr. Schweizer! We take great pride in offering the best service possible. It’s wonderful to know our efforts are paying off.
We will be sure to pass along your note as it helps us know we have made a difference to those we serve every day. We appreciate your feedback!

My step father passed away and what do we need to do about his survivorship for his wife? I have his death certificates and need to know what to do. Step father that passed is Jack McGuire and his wives name is Lucille McGuire.

Hello Milt, you cannot report a death or apply for survivors’ benefits online.
In most cases, the funeral home will report the person’s death to Social Security. To verify if the information has been reported and to see if she is eligible for widow’s benefits, Ms. McGuire needs to call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and make an appointment with the local Social Security office. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks.

I was suppose to receive my first check on 2/28. I am receiving spousal benefits. However, it was never deposited into my checking account. I went to social security office and they had keyed in an incorrect checking account number for me. They told me that the money was sent to my bank and for me to go to my bank and retrieve it. She said it did not bounce back to them. I then went to my bank and they looked at the account number that it allegedly went to, and said it never would have come into their bank as there are no accounts with that number of digits in the system. So they do not have it. I don’t feel it was correct of social security to send me to my bank to start off with. But now how do I get it. My bank said to give it a few days to see if it corrects itself with social security, but today is the 4th day. No deposit. The person at social security corrected my account number. What do I have to do to get the money that was suppose to be deposited to me on 2/28?

We apologize for the inconveniences you’re experiencing, Joan. Unfortunately, but for security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog.
Please continue working with your local office.
You can request to speak with the manager to see how we can help to expedite resolution of your situation.
If you are unable to visit the local office, you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day. Thanks.

I served in the Air Force in the early ’70s and was told that if I asked (which is a requirement of SSA) that the amount of social security I receive would be increased. I need to know if this is true. I was told I would need to take my DD 24 to the SS office near me.

I had to laugh a bit at your comments on Customer Service is What we do. I am a US citizen living in Canada and Have tried to sign up for SS. The toll free number you publish does not work from Canada. I can’t sign up online because I do not have a US address. I tried to find a direct(non restricted toll free) number so I could call and then discuss how you could give me good customer service by allowing me to apply for my SS benefits :-).

I hope this post might get me some information on how I do contact SS without currently living in the US and not having a US address. YOur help would be appreciated.

We are sorry for the inconvenience, Dan. The “my Social Security” authentication system requires address verification as one of the essential criteria for issuing an account. People with APO/FPO/DPO addresses can create an account overseas, but our system does not support registration and account creation for users with a foreign address yet.
Although you need a U.S. address to register for a my Social Security account, you do not need a U.S. address to access our website or file online for benefits.
We ask that individuals living outside the United States, contact their local U.S. embassy or consulate for any assistance related to their Social Security benefits. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad.
In your case, you may find the Canadian Service Area Directory useful.
We hope this helps!

We are sorry for any inconvenience, Doris. Unfortunately, but for security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog.
Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and speak to a Social Security representative. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks!

The Lakewood office Mrs Cruz is very rude she hung up on my fiance for trying to get dates from his case … definitely not good customer service the absolute worst I’ve ever had don’t go to the Lakewood office if you don’t have to and supposedly she is management smh

Hello Ronald! Social Security disability benefits automatically change to retirement benefits when disability beneficiaries attain their full retirement age. Full retirement age had been 65 for many years. However, beginning with people born in 1938 or later, that age gradually increases until it reaches 67 for people born after 1959.
Benefits are not interrupted with this transition and the benefit amount will generally remains the same. We hope this helps to clarify this issue.

i need to talk to someone about receiving medications while in a foreign country by using the medicare card. how is it done? i do not have access to transportation back to the country so this email would be my only source of correspondence. this country does not allow 800 numbers. so i cannot call using an 800 number

Thank you for using our blog to contact us, Nolan. In most cases, Medicare is not available outside the United States. If you live outside the United States and you consider termination of your Medicare Part B benefits, you will need to contact your local U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. Our policy requires a personal interview be conducted with everyone who wants to terminate their Medicare Part B benefits, to be sure that you fully understand the consequences of doing so.
Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. Thanks.

you are charging me $134 per month for medicare care insurance. and yet everywhere i go to try to use this card i am told this card is no good. so why am i paying for it? if that is the case And i am paying for a dead horse, why do i have medicare? AND , HOW DO I CANCEL MY MEDICARE INSURANCE?

Thank you for using our blog to contact us, Nolan. In most cases, Medicare is not available outside the United States. If you live outside the United States and you consider termination of your Medicare Part B benefits, you will need to contact your local U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. Our policy requires a personal interview be conducted with everyone who wants to terminate their Medicare Part B benefits, to be sure that you fully understand the consequences of doing so.
Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. Thanks.

After waiting 40 minutes for a SSA person today I spoke to a great representative. Paul located in Baltimore was very professional in resolving my issue and a breath of fresh air with whom to speak. Having had a career involving management of Fortune 500 customer service organizations I know a good representative when I interact with them. He is a keeper.

I am 57 years old and I have Social Security Disability Benefits, and have inherited an IRA. I have had SSD for over 20 years and there is no chance that this will change. There will be semi annual payments. Will this Affect my SSD payments. Since I can’t afford to loose my SSD and the IRA is small I would be forced to give the inheritance to my sister as she has almost no income and could use it better than I

Thank you for your question, Grady. Your disability (SSDI) benefits are paid based on your earnings prior to you becoming disabled. Any income generated from non-work sources such as investments will not affect your disability payments.

Is there a website for alerting Social Security that I am about to be 65 years old, and that I want my Part B held another year while I continue working? I have been told that I MUST alert SS at this age, but I am unable to get through by phone.

Hi Shirley, you will have to contact us to let us know that you’re declining enrollment into Medicare Part B at age 65.
A beneficiary may refuse Medicare Part B, during his or her Initial Enrollment Period, if that beneficiary or the spouse, actively works and has coverage under a group health plan based on that employment, then he or she doesn’t need Medicare part B until the work activity ends or that health care coverage is dropped. You will have an 8-month period to enroll in Medicare Part B after you stop working. To learn more about the Medicare enrollment periods visit http://www.Medicare.gov.
When calling our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Or contact your local Social Security office directly. Hope this helps!

I am appauled at the fact that the social security office gave my niece an appointment for a phone interview and
they never called. and its very important she is trying to open her case again she has sickle cell disease.

Hello Lorraine, Social Security pays survivors benefits to children, younger than age 18 (or up to age 19 if they’re attending elementary or secondary school full time), if one or both of their parents are disabled, retired, or deceased. Our publication, Benefits for Children explains more.

I am looking for a Social Security office in Lubbock, TX, or in Dumas,TX, or in Borger, TX, or any other town within driving distance from Amarillo, TX. The office in Amarillo is totally useless. If there are any offices, please give phone number, so I can ask them a question. Thank you.

Good customer service? That’s the sickest joke I’ve heard since “we make it easy to get off disability and return to work.”
Rude condescending representatives that hang up on you, each one giving you information that conflicts with what you’ve already been told, no one can really tell me what the work rules are for me or else the rules change every time I call, I usually spend 4-6 hours getting the runaround before actually getting through to a person who is helpful and THIS WOULD FRUSTRATE A NORMALLY ABLED PERSON but with a myriad of mental issues I’m supposed to maintain a standard of perfection in reporting accurate info in a timely manner while being jerked around and fearing being persecuted (prosecuted?) for simple human error.
I’m beholden to the demon called SSA. And yes, it’s exactlt like being chained by the neck to an evil entity in the eighth circle of hell.

Hi Tracey, to see if you are eligible to receive other benefits or social services from the state in which you live, please contact your local social services office. Or you can visit the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services web page. Thanks!

Hi Joseph! If you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your my Social Security account, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office. Thanks.

Thank you for your question, Maryann. If your regularly scheduled payment date falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal public holiday, benefits will be paid the business day before your due date. See Schedule of Social Security Payments for more information.

Hi,
I want to retire in May and I’ve been covered with my employer’s health insurance. I have not yet filed for Social Security or Medicare. Please advise the steps in sequential order that I need to do with Social Security and Medicare to avoid any penalties and maximize credits. I don’t know what I don’t know about the processes that are involved. I appreciate your advice beyond what I’m asking. Thanks!

You can start receiving retirement benefits as early as age 62, but if you decide to get benefits before your full retirement age, they will be reduced. In the other hand, starting to receive benefits after full retirement age may result in larger benefits. To find out what your full retirement age is, use our Retirement Age Chart. Also, you may find our Early or Late Retirement Calculator helpful.Medicare is our country’s health insurance program for people age 65 or older. To learn more about the Medicare enrollment periods visit http://www.Medicare.gov
Our system is set up to take applications three months in advance, and you can apply for both –retirement and Medicare- benefits online. Remember that benefits are paid the month after they are due. So, for instance, if you want your benefits to begin with the month of May, you will receive your first benefit payment in June. Please visit our Social Security Retirement Planner for more information. We hope this helps!

I changed my address from Queens county to Suffolk County from February 1, 2018 and I informed online SSA. Now I’m living at the new address and I can’t sign in to my soc.service. I forget the password, i wanted to resset the password but I can’t. You refuse me because you don’t find my informations in your System, asking to apply again after 24hrs? The same story. I have my SS card for more than 40 yrs an never had this kind of problems. Maybe, you didn’t updated my informations regarding the new address in your system? I can’t apply for another account, because you tell me that I have one. Ok. I have one but I can’t access this one and there is no way to access it. I have also problems with Medicaid Benefit card, both in Queens and in Suffolk…I am not in system. It’s terrible! I’m 76 yrs old, a sick women w/disability and I can’t even go to doctors, I can’t schedule a transportation nothing …because I am not in your system !!!???
Thank you for any help.

I an still employed so i take my w2 to the local office every year (jan-feb) to have my penalty reduced and wages upgrated. I have been doing this for 13 years. I did this last week and was told that you do not do this now and must wait till 2019 to get my update check.
Is what i was told true?

Hello Donald, if your payment is lost or stolen, contact us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or contact your local Social Security office. We will review the case and if the payment is due, we will replace it.
If your regularly scheduled payment date falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal public holiday, benefits will be paid the business day before your due date.
See Schedule of Social Security Payments for more information.

Hello Donald, if your payment is lost or stolen, contact us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or contact your local Social Security office. We will review the case and if the payment is due, we will replace it.
If your regularly scheduled payment date falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal public holiday, benefits will be paid the business day before your due date.
See Schedule of Social Security Payments for more information.

why is it so hard to talk to a live person to report fraud that somebody is working and collecting Social Security and Medicaid benefits why is it so hard to talk to a live Human individual you have to go through all these steps just to hear waiting music and you still don’t know if you’re going to talk to anybody

I talked to a lady today at the ssa after waiting an hour and fifteen minutes .She obviously hates her job !She was very unprofessional and she hung up on me after I waited that long !!!She doesn’t deserve her job and I can gaurantee I am going to file a complaint on her even though I feel it won’t do any good .I have been treated poorly many times by these peolple and I am about over it!!!!!

Hello Janice. We apologize and we regret to hear you did not receive the level of customer service you expected. To submit your comment, complaint or suggestion, you can write to us or send us an email message.
Please keep in mind that many of our services are conveniently available anytime at our website.
We encourage our customers to create a my Social Security account. With a personal my Social Security account, you can manage your benefits or you can get estimates of your retirement, disability, and survivors benefits, review your earnings record and much more.
We appreciate your feedback, and thank you for bringing this to our attention.

Hi Shelly. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot answer your question at this time. One of our representatives should be able to provide you with an explanation. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks.

Customer service is your business? Seriously? Wait times on the 800 number 45 minutes or longer several times to get an I don’t know and even told to go to my local office. Local office number not published. I went to my local office and was harrassed to the point I had to call the police because I wasn’t allowed in with my service dog. SOCIAL SECURITY DOESN’T KNOW THE RULES ON SERVICE DOGS? UNACCEPTABLE AT BEST!! I have called several times and and been transferred to my so called claims manager, who has yet to be identified by name to me, and of course won’t call me back. I have an award letter that even the local office can’t decypher and as a result they refuse to even talk with me over the phone. I have had no income for a year, I’m not allowed to work and no one could care less. It’s no small wonder that people hate government. Any time government is involved it is nothing more than chasing your own tail.

Hello Darryl. We apologize and we regret to hear you did not receive the level of customer service you expected.
Unfortunately, but for security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog. Please continue working with your local office. You can request to speak with the manager to see how we can help to expedite resolution of your situation.
If you wish to contact us directly, and want to submit your comment, complaint or suggestion, you can write to us or send us an email message. Thanks.

My wife has been receiving spousal benefits on my account. She would like to start receiving her full SS benefits from her own account instead. Can you tell me how this change can be accomplished? She has been calling SSA but has been unable to get through. Any help will be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

You guys are worthless and do NOT deserve a pay check ! Never get a human!!!!! This is wrong you are there to help us which you refuse to do ‼️‼️‼️‼️Give us a human with in 10 minutes time ‼️I’m suppose to refund money cannot do it since I can’t reach a person for help‼️I really like to tell what I think about you ……… people‼️

I changed banks that my SSA checks we deposited in from one in Wisconsin to one in Florida for personal financial reasons but never changed my home address during this process: home address is 67108 old odanah rd. , Ashland Wisconsin 54806 . this is still my home address but because of the bank change my Wisconsin medical insurance was notified that I am now living in florida. I can visit my grandsons widow in florida but not live there. I own my home in Wisconsin. can SSA rectify this on their records. thank you

If you get Social Security benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability) or are enrolled in Medicare, you can change your address online by using a my Social Security account.
Just a reminder – We do not have access to personal information, therefore, we do not do direct messaging in this venue. We can not make changes or update your records.
Please be cautious about posting personal information on social media and communicating personal information via email. Thanks!

It has been several weeks since I filed a request at the Dallas Office to be rep payee for my daughter who is schizo-affective. I have not yet received a response to said request,. The Dallas Office does not answer the phone. How do I determine the status of my request?

Hi Shari! We apologize for the long wait. We have referred your inquiry to our Operations staff to follow up and to take corrective action as necessary. We appreciate your feedback, and thank you for bringing this to our attention.

Hi JoAnne! If you’re referring to applying for Medicare online, after you’re finished, we will contact you with any updates or questions we may have about your information. You can go to http://www.socialsecurity.gov and sign in or create a my Social Security account to check the status of your completed application.
If you need further assistance, please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

I received a call today that was a precorded voice asking if I was 65, I said yes. Then Sam came on the line and said this is Medicare, I thought it was weird. Sam asked do you have Medicare or Tiricare. (How would anyone know this)? I said Tricare and then he hang up. Then I new it was a SCAM. Do I need to do anything? I didn’t give any other information. SS number I wouldn’t ever tell that. The # 423 299-6544. When I called it back it’s not a working number.

If my husband is utilizing an advantage plan, does he still need part C and D? If not does he need to do anything to update his plan with medicare? This will help me in the decision process when signing up for medicare coverage in June.

WHY CANT I FIND EMAIL OR CONTACT NUMBERS FOR ANY CUSTOMER SERVICE? I RECEIVED A CALL BACK FROM SSA AND WOULD LIKE TO ASK FOR ANOTHER ONE BUT CANT FIND ANY INFO! AND DONT TELL ME TO CALL THE 800 NUMBER AGAIN – TERRIBLE SERVICE….

We’re sorry that you had difficulty reaching someone by phone, Bruce. We may have been experiencing higher than normal call volume. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the week or later during the day. Representatives at our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Remember, many services, including applying for Retirement, Disability and Medicare benefits, are conveniently available anytime at our website. You can create a my Social Security account to review your earnings record and to get estimates of your future benefits. Also, through our Blog and Facebook page, we respond to questions and provide general information about our programs. If you have a general question, we encourage you to ask here. But remember, never post personal information on social media.
We care about our customers and our representatives are working as fast as they can to resolve all inquiries, process new claims, and reduce backlogs.
We hope you try us again. Thanks!

My sister and I have been filing paperwork for my dads benefits since August 2017 we keep being told that they never got the paperwork even after I went down to the office here in Reno Nevada and filed it in person over 2 months ago. She went to her local office in Victoria Texas only to be told no paperwork has been filed. I have a stamp proving the paperwork was filed so tell me how two different offices lose paperwork??? This is getting a bit ridiculous don’t you think

Would like to know when my social security number was issue. Needs to know the day, month and the year. Please call me at 210-550-3911. My name is Eduardo Peraza and my social security is *** – ** – ***.
Sincerely,
Eduardo Peraza

Hello Eduardo. For security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot provide any of the information you need. One of our representatives should be able to help you. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Or contact your local Social Security office directly.Just a reminder – Please be cautious about posting personal information on any social media channels. Thanks!

I am trying to find out what time my appointment is for Monday, April 8th 2-18. Am on the line with SS now, but have a feeling at 5 they will cut off the “hold” status. HELP, please, not sure if it’s 9:30 or 1:30.

This morning I chose to use the telephone because I needed specific answers to specific questions. The time to wait was quoted as one hour. After waiting this period of time, a Social Security representative referring to herself as Ricki pretended not to hear and hung up. Needless to say, I am very angry after having wasted all of this time for nothing. Also, I called the local office at 1685 Dunn Avenue, Jax., FL 32218 early this morning three times without and never go an answer.

We apologize for the long wait, and regret to hear that we did not provide the level of customer service you expected.
Remember, many services, including applying for retirement, disability and Medicare benefits, creating a my Social Security account, requesting a replacement Medicare card, or reporting a change of address are conveniently available anytime at our website.
Also, we respond to questions and provide general information on our programs through our Blog and Facebook page. If you have a general question, we encourage you to ask here. But remember, never post personal information on social media.
In April we celebrate “National Social Security Month”, see what you can do online at http://www.SocialSecurity.gov. Thanks!

Im ON LINE trying to change my address but having trouble.I read that it could be done on line but no luck.It says go to my profile but nothing comes up.Would it be easier to change it on phone,if so can you give me a number to call.Thanks

What is a “certified copy of a marriage certificate”? I have the original from 1943 from my parents and do not trust SS to return it. Where can I make a “certified copy”? No phone or email access to SS. Why can’t your online answer this simple question? TERRIBLE customer service, I’ve been hung up on. Stumbled across this email “Leave a Reply”. Please answer me. My father died and I have a letter from SS to respond to.

We are sorry for your loss, Penny. We apologize and we regret to hear you did not receive the level of customer service you expected. A certified copy is a “true copy” of the original document, certified by the agency that issued them. If you do not want to mail the document, you can take it to your local Social Security office for verification. Please bring the letter we sent you as reference. Thanks!

I got a bill from medicare which makes zero sense.I called them and they are investigating the charge.But,I do not want to loose my coverage before the results are in.How do I get this charge deferred till the results are in?
Medicare said that it would have to be done Soc.Sec.
*** – ** – *** A

I kneed to report a recipient’s death, and there is NOWHERE on any of yours lists that will tell me how todo that. WHY? I tried to call and was told I would be waiting 45 minutes for an agent. My sister died yesterday. I can’t wait on the phone 45 minutes.

SSA form for Social benefit payment(s) after deceased Dad 12-10-1998 (Weather or not to the same effect as SSA-8 ) I have in person given to USPS Office in February 2018 and have gotten the $50 insured receipt. Large envelope with social security, all filled up form, went to my official neighborhood office 27650 FARMINGTON Rd in Farm. Hills MI, 48334
Lets Be Socially Secure and contact or call Farm. Hills Branch, because likely we all are dependents and call them to see Pavel running good near by OCC Graduated with B in 2000 and B+ Graduate 2003 and still a good person with own phone and own e-mail
Sincerely: Pawels last address
31136 Beach walk Apt. 2203 NOVI, MI 48377

SSA form for Social benefit payment(s) (Weather or not to the same effect as SSA-8 ) I have in person given, to USPS Office in 1’st half of February 2018 and have gotten the $50 insured receipt. Envelope with social security form all filled up, went to my official neighborhood office 27650 FARMINGTON Rd in Farm. Hills MI, 48334
Lets contact or call Farm. Hills Branch, because calling them to share their phone number with the county’s people is like Me running good 5 Kilometers around all home orchard ridge buildings in a marathon few months ago! I came in after 12th near by OCC Graduated with B in 2000 and B+ FINE STARVING ARTIST Graduate 2003 and still a good person with own phone and own e-mail
Last address
31136 Beach walk Apt. 2203 NOVI, MI 48377

The telepohone service access and in-office access is horrible. Every time I called it is over an hour wait and when visiting the office it take an average of 3 hours. That is obserd for issues that cannot be taken care of online. SSA needs to hire more people to handle the load they appearently cannot handle. I needed to just report a death of a family memeber and the last thing I wanted to do was be on hold for an hour and a half!!!!

When I call the 800 number I get a message that no representatives are available and to call back. Really? How many times am I supposed to call back at a more convenient time for SSA? I worked all my life, and this is MY money you are distributing back to me! The least you could do is answer the phone regarding a matter not addressed on your website.

Hello Lynn. We’re sorry that you had difficulty reaching someone by phone. We may have been experiencing higher than normal call volume.
Generally, when calling us, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later during the week. Representatives at our toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Please keep in mind that many services, including applying for Retirement, Disability and Medicare benefits, are conveniently available anytime at our website.
You can create a my Social Security account to review your earnings record and to get estimates of your future benefits.
Also, through our Blog and Facebook page, we respond to questions and provide general information about our programs. If you have a general question, we encourage you to ask here. But remember, never post personal information on social media.
We care about our customers and our representatives are working as fast as they can to resolve all inquiries, process new claims, and reduce backlogs.
We hope you try us again. Thanks!

I had a wonderful experience at Social Security administration office in Tucson. The employees names were time in Daniel and they were very helpful. I only waited 10 minutes before I got into the sea one of them. Thank you for running such a great office to time and Daniel from Holly Sack

Calling the local office is a joke. I have been waiting months after approval for SSDI, no waiting for back payment, yet when I call they tell me they will add a note to my file but that’s all they can do, because SSDI is done through payment centers.There is no number I can call to the payment center, just local office. I get different answers to the same questions from each person I speak with. Now they get very rude when I call and give me the excuse that they are understaffed and that’s what is holding up my payment. Oh, but if I received SSI, then they could push it forward. Ok so because you are understaffed and I do not qualify for SSI ( a welfare program) it’s ok for me to become homeless. It’s been five years of the process and even after approval I am going to wait another year for payment. It’s ludicrous. Understaffed should not be an excuse and SSDI should be paid out just as quickly as SSI.

I have always believed that the goal of the SSA customer service department has been customer satisfaction—until today. Today, I received a call back from a woman that was rude, if not mean. From our conversation it was clear that she did not like her job nor does she like people. At first I thought she was just having a bad day but her attitude was mean spirited.. Although the information she provided was accurate she did so most discourteously. At the end of our conversation reminded her that I could take the customer survey and she snidely remarked ‘Good Luck!’ I don’t believe most customer support representatives are like the one I spoke with today. I sincerely hope not.. I am disaster case manager for people that were impacted by Hurricane Harvey; Heaven help me if I ever spoke to one of my clients that way.

What a joke! You put me on hold 40 minutes for a routine inquiry, and you say customer service is “what you do”? What universe are you in? You say I can use the website. But when I try that, you say, sorry this matter cannot be handled online. It is a routine matter!

I was on the phone earlier this evening with Robert from Wilkes Barre,Pa. He put me on hold, and then after several minutes, I was getting the original message when you first call the SS line saying that the offices were now closed. I need to find out about a hearing to appeal my daughter’s denial of benefits. She is 20 years old and I am her legal guardian. I have been waiting since Feb 2018 to hear back about a hearing

We are sorry to hear you did not receive the level of customer service you expected and that you had difficulty reaching someone by phone. We may have been experiencing higher than normal call volume.
If your daughter’s application was denied and she does not agree with our decision, she has the right to file an appeal. She must make a request within 60 days from the date she received the notice of denial.
For more information on the appeals process, please visit our Appeal Processing publication on our website.
If you or your daughter need help with filing your appeal, you can contact your local Social Security office. When calling our toll free number (1-800-772-1213) you may experience a shorter wait time if you call later during the day. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. We hope this helps!

Just called the 800 number for an error you made to my new socialcecurity/ Medicare card and the system decided after all questions answered they had no one to help me and hung up it is Monday at 10:40 am

We apologize for any inconveniences, Virginia. Sometimes we experience higher than normal call volume. Generally, when calling our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later during the week. Our representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Our offices are open to the public on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays until 4:00 p.m. Every Wednesday at noon, offices are closed to the public so that employees have time to complete current work and reduce backlogs. Thank you for your support and understanding.

My parents have an appointment today at 9:30am it is now 10:34am we’re still waiting. I honestly don’t understand why you’re given an appointment and have to wait so long before being call. Not good customer service at all. It would of been acceptable if someone came out and informed us that we are running behind schedule. Not saying anything is wrong and lack of consideration.

I need award letters for myself and my husband. His name is Edward Henry Strong, S.Sec. Number *** – ** – ***
Born 3/6/1936 at Waukegan, Illinois to James Strong and Dorothy Strong. Dorothy’s maiden name was Laurent. Our current address is:
100 NE Brookdale Lane Apt.G102
Bremerton, WA 98311
In November, 2017 we moved from 1142 Wheaton Way 98310. Apt. #9

My name is Veda Taylor Strong
Soc.Sec. Number *** – ** – ***
I was born at Harlowton, Montana to Ruth and Benjamin Taylor. Ruth’s maiden name was Wallace. our current address is:
100 NEBrookdale Lane Apt. G102
Bremerton, WA 98311 In November 2017 we moved from 1142 Wheaton Way
Bremerton, WA 98310

Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot update your records at this time.
If you get Social Security benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability) or are enrolled in Medicare, you can change your address and request a benefit verification letter online by using a my Social Security account.Just a reminder – Please be cautious about posting personal information on any social media channels or communicating personal information via email. Thanks!

Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks.

I have had a very hard time getting recognized as the current wife due widows benefits! My husband passed away January 10,2018. Could someone confirm that my marriage certificate has been entered into my file at the payment center??? Call me to get my social security number!

good morning I would like to chance my account number for direct desposit checking account for desopsit on the 16th june 2018 from the old number to the new checking account the bank is vystar credit union
Jacksonville, fl 32206

Hello George, we do not have access to personal information in this blog, therefore, we cannot update your information on your Social Security benefit record.
If you already receive benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability) and you have a bank account, you can start or update your direct deposit by using your personal my Social Security account. Thanks!

. My experience with Social Security at Martin Luther King Jr in Washington DC made me feel like being Disabled is a crime. I was told it was Welfare benefits I was receiving in a very nasty tone . I just can’t get over how I was treated I have a lot of disabilities and because I chose to help someone apply for their benefits I got treated like a dog 👿

Calling Great Lakes Program Center at 1-888-231-3939 today 6/11/2018. No answer as I sit here an write this. Phone still ringing in fact. It is 2:56 PM EST and the phone has been ringing for 1 hour and 28 min. I plan to stay on to speak to someone. But this is a unreasonable amount of time. Not happy.

Spent the last 15 min. looking over this site. I can assume I will get the standard, Calls are heavier than normal. (and what is normal or reasonable, as I have seen this going on for years?) or, I see there may never be a responding comment. Listening to the phone ring still, at almost 1 hour and 54 min.
This is a taxpayer expense website I see.
How long can I be in Que for? Wow.
Since I want this to be data collected, I wont drop out of Que.
I will keep you updated…

Is 1-888-231-3939 a valid # to the Great Lakes Program Center? If so, I am concerned about them. Maybe someone should at least call and check up on them from SSA. The # is reflected as the # to call for questions on my letter from them. Still ringing, at 2 Hours and 15 min.

Egregious. Sitting here waiting for someone to answer my call. Having all this paperwork I need together and in front of me. What if I should need a restroom break? I will assume the people in this office have had a break since I first called, now, 2 hours and 30 min ago.

I see the only Public Affairs people to ever respond on this blog are, Ray Fernandez, Jenna Yeager, and Ann Clifton. Mostly Mr. Fernandez. Does anyone else see this blog? I think I shall get this blog info over to my Senator’s, and Congress Persons’.

What effect has this blog had on Public Affairs, and making things better if no one else looks at it?

Here I am, still waiting for my call to be answered after 3 Hours…

I have also noted I have no replies to my blogs since my first one.

This is some sham. But the blog has given me something to do as I listen to endless ringing.

Can you help? Please? Have you ever listen to phone ring for 3 hours and 45 min? I have a huge headache now.
I know data wont be collected if I hang up. I noted that in the reports that are published.
If the call goes past 4:30 PM CT, and it is still ringing, should I hang up?

We’re sorry that you had difficulty reaching someone by phone, Eric. We may have been experiencing higher than normal call volume. Representatives at our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. We have referred your complaint to our Office of Operations to follow up and to take corrective action as necessary.
Keep in mind that many of our services are conveniently available anytime at our website.
To submit your comment, complaint or suggestion, you can write to us or send us an email message. We appreciate your feedback, and thank you for bringing this to our attention.

My aunt died on March 29,2018. According to a letter that was in her files, she was a month behind on her benefits, so why did they take the April get reclaimed by you? Shouldn’t it have been left in the account to pay on her bills incurred for March?

We are sorry to hear of your loss, Darlene. Social Security benefits are paid the month after they are due. Benefits for the month of March, are paid in the month of April.
If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, you must return the benefit received for the month of death or any later months. For example, if the person dies in March, you must return the benefit paid in April. Thanks.

Hello James. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot answer your question at this time. One of our representatives should be able to provide your wife with an explanation. She can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks!

If you send a letter to social security it takes 60 days to get into their system than at least another 2 weeks for them to respond Do you know it takes this long? If so why don’t you at least post this on your website. Then the general public won’t have to worry about what’s taking so long or wait 45 minutes for a return phone call just to get this information. Need part Medicare Part B before July 1st. Having never done this before can’t be expected to know these thing.

We apologize for the inconveniences. We care about our customers and our representatives are working as fast as they can to resolve all inquiries, process new claims, and reduce backlogs.
Individuals receiving retirement benefits are automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B at age 65. Individuals on disability are automatically enrolled after they receive disability benefits for 24 months. However, because you must pay a premium for Part B coverage, you have the option of turning it down.
If you are not already getting retirement benefits, you should contact us about three months before your 65th birthday to sign up for Medicare. To learn more about the Medicare enrollment periods visit http://www.Medicare.gov.
Remember, most Social Security business does not require a visit to a local field office. Many services, including applying for retirement, disability and Medicare benefits, creating a my Social Security account, requesting a replacement Medicare card, or reporting a change of address or telephone number are conveniently available anytime at our website.
When calling our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, you will experience a shorter wait time, if you call later during the day or later in the week. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks!

I just discovered a Medicare payment check that is over a year old. I had several operations about that time and the check was misplaced. I want to know if I should just tear it up or return it. The amount of the check is $59.72

Hello Janice. A Treasury check is valid for up to 12 months from its issue date. After 12 months, a check is void and non-negotiable. You should return the check to the issuing agency.
You can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for further assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks!

Hello Deneshia. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot answer your question at this time. One of our representatives should be able to assist you and provide an explanation on how family benefits are paid. Benefits for family members have always been limited by the family maximum rules, meaning that there’s a limit to the amount that family members can receive each month.
Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks!

Hello Janice, please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks.

Thank you for your question Raymond, At this time you must have a U. S. mailing address to create or to access your online account. The “my Social Security” authentication system requires address verification as one of the essential criteria for issuing an account. People with APO/FPO/DPO addresses can create an account overseas, but our system does not support registration and account creation for users with a foreign address yet.
For assistance related to your Social Security benefits, please contact the nearest Federal Benefits Unit or U.S. Embassy in your area. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. Thanks!

I visited your West Chester Pa office today between 10 and 11 am. I had a few questions to ask the gentleman I had when my number was called. He was very sarcastic telling I should have gone to another office in another area, I told him my husband signed up at this office a few years ago and it was actually closer for us. He also gave me the wrong amount of my amount of SS at age 65. I came home and went on the estimator sight. His calculations were off by more than $300. a month. I showed him my statement from 2016 that said at age 62 I would have received the amount he stated. I am now 64 turning 65 in September. The estimator difference from 65 to 66 is only $190. difference!! I need help to rectify this situation as I would probably sign up for my benefits at age 65. Thank you.

Hello Lois. We apologize and we regret to hear you did not receive the level of customer service you expected. We have referred your complaint to our Operations staff to follow up and to take corrective action as necessary. Please keep in mind that the Retirement Estimator gives estimates based on your actual Social Security earnings record. These are just estimates. We can’t provide your actual benefit amount until you apply for benefits. And that amount may differ from the estimates provided because of various factors.
We appreciate your feedback, and thank you for bringing this to our attention.

I need assistance in replacement of my
Social security card.
I was on hold for 52 minutes trying to get status
of a replacement ss card and my Texas Drivers
License returned . It has been since either
late April or early May and $38.00 out of pocket
and now two very important forms of ID lost.
Since then, I did find my SS card, but the Texas
Drivers License I desperately need. I probably
cannot even vote, drive, or other things without
it. And being on hold, always for 52 minutes, then
being disconnected is unreal.
I simply have ran out of patience, etc and now I
need items returned and answers given.
Regards
John Nelka9311mercer@sbcglobal.net
214-328-4416
*** – ** – *** ss number.

We are sorry to hear of the inconveniences you’re experiencing, John.
You can get an original Social Security card or a replacement card if yours is lost or stolen. There is no charge for a Social Security card.The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides this service for free. Also, we will return any (original or certified copies of) documents provided with the application. Generally, you will receive your replacement card in about 2 weeks after we process your request.
If you sent your request to an SSA office or Card Center, you can follow up on the status of your application and your driver’s license by contacting the office where you sent your request, directly. Thanks.

We are sorry to hear of your loss, Jeanne. Unfortunately, the Lump Sum Death Payment is only payable to eligible family members. Generally, the widow and minor children of the deceased. For more information on this, please read “How Social Security Can Help You When a Family Member Dies“. Thanks.

Hello Darlene. When making changes to your direct deposit, we recommend that you keep your “old” bank account open, until your payments start coming in to the “new” account.
Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot provide specific information about your payments at this time. One of our representatives should be able to assist you. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks!

I need an award letter sent to(951)808-8383
I’ve called (800)772-1213, but I’ve been on this phone 5 hours, and have been hung up on 4 times. My wait time is 1 hour and 15 minutes. I’ve gotten almost to the hour marker and your end hangs up on me and I have to start over. Please help me!

We are sorry to hear that you are having difficulty reaching someone by phone, Deborah. We may have been experiencing higher than normal call volume. Representatives at our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. You will generally have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week.
Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog. Remember that you can request an award letter online by using your my Social Security account. Thanks!

I need to replace my drivers license, and the customer service person needed my SS card, she was looking at it and, my last name is misspelled and I my self have not noticed it for all these years.
I had to get a replacement be cause I laminated it over 30 years ago, I did get a replacement, and my Last name is incorrect, it was like this on my first card and I never noticed it. Can I correct this on line, or go to the SS office.?

I would just like to say social security is full of a bunch of BS I have been signed up now for 9 years I cannot work they have said over and over again that I’m disabled I’ve even had the appeals court say that they find they did the judge didn’t find all my medical records in time but yet I still can’t get on Social Security I’m homeless now I have nothing I’ve lost everything I own waiting on Social Security because when I tried to work they denied me because I was trying because I had kids but they don’t want to give nobody no income so I don’t understand the government at all they need to work on the new way of doing customer service and doing things I talk to one person next thing you know I’m talking to 10 others to do not know nothing about what is going on with my case week n in Augusta week in Atlanta they don’t even know where I’m. when I signed up my oldest was 10 my oldest is 19 now that is sad that America is that slow. There’s a whole lot they can fix a whole lot. mine was from a car accident wasn’t even from any kind of health problem it was a car accident I could not have prevented they look at me and they see somebody who is Young and he does not look like they’re hurt but in the inside I’m falling apart and they shouldn’t be judging somebody based on how they look. I have been hospitalized more then once for over 3 days cause of my migraines. My blood pressure drops so low they will not let me log me. I can’t even get Medicaid so I can see my neurologist so I can get my Botox shots for my migraines I was on Topamax I switch to the shots of the botox helps a lot but now I can’t even get those now I have to lay around and just hurts because I cannot go see no doctors because I cannot get Medicaid again because of the government and they’re messed up ways

I am temporarily living in Costa Rica. I have tried to access my SS account, but it keeps asking me to confirm an old phone number in order to get a verification code. My new US phone number is 404-422-9873. If you cannot reach me by phone, please email me the appropriate address to send this request to. Thank you.

Hello Betty, you must report any new changes, such as your son’s relocation to another state and his new address to the at the local Social Security office in the “new” area.
For food stamps or other state assistance, we suggest that you contact their local social services office for more information. You can get information about services in the “new” area by visiting the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services web page.
We hope this information helps. Good luck!

I was on the phone for 70 minutes waiting to talk to Social Security, and instead of sending me to a Representative it went straight to customer survey ( this is after I talked to Medicare for some length & then I was referred to Social Security), so I would really like it if Social Security would call me tomorrow, 7/12/18, which I know is not going to happen. I need some help!!! Thanks much – Dianne B. Summers, phone 906-367-2397.

We apologize for the long wait, and regret to hear that you had trouble reaching us.
Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog, we are not able to assist you at this time. When calling our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
We care about our customers and our representatives are working as fast as they can to resolve all inquiries, process new claims, and reduce backlogs.
Remember, most Social Security business do not require a visit to a local field office. Many services, including applying for retirement, disability and Medicare benefits, creating a my Social Security account, requesting a replacement Medicare card, or reporting a change of address or telephone number are conveniently available anytime at our website. Thanks!

Hello Sylvia. The “my Social Security” authentication system requires address verification as one of the essential criteria for issuing an account. People with APO/FPO/DPO addresses can create an account overseas, but our system does not support registration and account creation for users with a foreign address yet.
Keep in mind that even though you need a U.S. address to register for a my Social Security account, you do not need a U.S. address to access our website or to file online for benefits. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad.
We hope this information helps!

I WENT TO MY LOCAL OFFICE ABOUT MY BACK PAY. THEY HAD A SUPERVISOR CLEAR ME SAYING I DON’T NEED A PAYEE, THE GENTLEMAN THERE WAS VERY NICE. (KNOXVILLE, TENN) I WAS APPROVED ON JAN 22 2018 IT IS NOW 07 18 2018. i HAVE GOT 4 MONTHLY CHECKS, I PAY MY OWN RENT, LIGHT’S,. I SET UP MY QMB THROUGH MEDICARE. I HAVE GOTTEN FOOD STAMP I SET UP FOR OVER 2 YEARS NOW. THE SUPERVISOR AND MAN AT KNOXVILLE OFFICE say IT IS OBVIOUS I DON’T NEED A PAYEE. MY UNCLE WORKS FOR COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM AND HAS LET ME USE HIS TRUCK ON SUMMER VACATION. BUT SOON HE WILL NEED IT BACK, THEN I WILL HAVE NO TRANSPORTATION. I HAVE A LIC AND HAVE HAD ONE MY WHOLE LIFE. LOCAL OFFICE SAID there IS NO EXCUSS FOR THIS DELAY. WE WENT THERE ON 07 11 2018 (MY UNCLE, AND MYSELF) THEY SENT IN NEW PAPERWORK SAID IF I HAVE NO WORD IN 2 WEEKS COME BACK. WELL, IT HAS BEEN 1 WEEK STILL NO WORD. I CALLED MY LAWYER THEY ACT LIKE THEY CAN’T DO NOTHING. I GUESS SINCE THEY GOT THEIR MONEY THEY DONT CARE ANY LONGER. I HAVE CONTACTED SEN. LAMER ALEXANDERS OFFICE THEY HAVE SENT NOTICES AS WELL. SEEM’S LIKE WE HAVE WALKED INTO A DEAD END AND NO ONE WILL TELL US NOTHING, YOUR LOCAL OFFICE SAID I SHOULD HAVE GOT MY BACK PAY LONG AGO!!! IF I CAN GET MY BACK PAY I CAN GET MY CAR HE(MY UNCLE) GOES BACK TO WORK THIS WEEK COMING. WE ARE ALL AT A LOSE I DON’T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO! 7 MONTH’S GUY AT LOCAL OFFICE SAID AVERAGE IS 45 DAY’S TO 2 MONTH’S. I KNOW YOU GUY’S ARE BUSY BUT PLEASE HELP ME!!!!

We apologize for the inconvenience, James. We have referred your complaint to our Operations staff to follow up and to take corrective action as necessary.
We appreciate your feedback, and thank you for bringing this to our attention.

Hello Mercedes. If a person begins to receive benefits at age 62 or prior to their full retirement age, their benefits are reduced. The reduction factors are permanently applied to all of the benefits the person may qualify for.
See Benefits For Your Spouse for more information about getting benefits on your husband’s record.
If you need further assistance, call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks!

My husband and I went to the local SS office and put in a change of address. We waited a very long time, and both went to the window and changed our addresses with a representative. She handed us back our forms, and said to check to be sure all things were correct. Which we did, but the cards just came in the mail, and my Husband’s middle name is spelled incorrectly and my last name is spelled incorrectly. Without having to go back to the office and sit for hours to correct, and not wanting to make an online account, what can be done to correct the names and varify that if those items were done wrong, that the address is in the system correctly? Thank you in advance

We are very sorry for the inconvenience, Patrice. Unfortunately, to follow up and make a correction on your cards, you may have to return to the office where you applied. On your receipt there should be a local phone number for you to call and speak to someone about the situation and request immediate assistance. Or call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and make an appointment. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
If you decide to visit the local office, please take the documents you originally presented as evidence. Thanks!

I have been told I need to update my password. you sent me a letter with a memory password, fine.
This weekend I have tried repeatedly to access my account, I know my current password and everything I am supposed to need, I have a new password prepared but can I access my account, no way. you make it so difficult I can certainly understand why people don’t bother. I am all for security but you have to meet us half way. not everyone are Techie masters, me being one of them.

We apologize for the inconveniences, Barbara. If you’re -still- unable to access your account, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!

I have received an email within the last few days requesting me to update my social security account. I have attempted to reset my password repeatedly, but the website continues to say that my security question answers are incorrect. I have not had access to my Social Security account in many months due to this same issue.

Hello Janet. If you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your my Social Security account, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!

Hello Debra. If you need proof you get Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security (SSI) Income or Medicare, you can request a benefit verification letter online by using your my Social Security account.Just a reminder – We do not have access to personal information, Please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. Thanks!

Hi, Phyllis. To report a late, missing, or stolen check, they should call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. You will generally have a shorter wait time if they call after later in the day. You may find the Schedule of Social Security Benefit Payments calendar helpful to determine if your checks are past due. We hope this helps!

I work for a school system that does not pay into social security but does withhold for medicare. This means that I will fall under the stipulations of the windfall elimination provision.

Can I pay in my own social security payments and the employer’s part so I can build up to 25 to 30 years? I have 17 years paid into social security.

I do have a 403b and the school system pays in 3%. However there were 5 years-the 1994-95 school year to the 1998-1999 school years that nothing was paid from the school system. Can I pay these years into social security?

Thank you for your question, Priscilla. Credits are the “building blocks” we use to find out whether you have the minimum amount of covered work to qualify for each type of Social Security benefit. You earn Social Security credits when you work in a job and pay Social Security taxes.
Read our publication, “How You Earn Credits” for more information. Thanks!

I do enjoy the manner in which you have presented this specific matter plus it really does supply us a lot of fodder for consideration. Nonetheless, from what I have experienced, I simply just trust when other reviews pack on that people continue to be on point and in no way get started on a soap box involving some other news du jour. Yet, thank you for this exceptional piece and though I can not really concur with it in totality, I respect the viewpoint.

I NEED HELP CHANGING MY USERNAME & PASSWORD. I NEED A SOCIAL SECURITY CARD REPLACEMENT BECAUSE THE ONE i HAVE IS RIPPING. WHEN I GO TO “SIGN IN” , I GET A MESSAGE THAT THEY DON’T KNOW WHO I AM, EVEN THO THEY HAVE MY SS# & DATE OF BIRTH. I CAN’T GET TO THE SS OFFICE. IT’S IN THE MIDDLE OF POUGHKEEPSIE & I HAVE TO PARK IN SOME PARKING LOT A BLOCK AWAY. I HAVE CANCER , I DON’T HAVE THE ENERGY TO GO THRU THIS. HELP ME. HAVE AN IT TECH EMAIL ASAP. PLEASE

Hello Roseanna, if you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your my Social Security account, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!

I am contacting you because of a very bad interaction with Brett one of your agents. I spoke with him on 8/13/2018 at around 11:30. He was very smug and would only answer my questions with yes or no and at times with silence. He would respond to me with he did not know and this is how he answered most of my questions. I told him I was going to report him and he did not care. I told this individual that he should not be in this position and that he should be terminated for his behavior. This individual said he was going to send my an email regarding my questions. He did not answer any of my questions. Maybe he was prejudiced when he heard my last name. Because this individual should NOT hold this position.

We apologize and regret to hear that we did not provide the level of customer service you expected, Tresa.
If you would like to submit a formal complaint or suggestion, you can write to us or send us an email message.
Please keep in mind that many of our services are conveniently available anytime at our website. We encourage our customers to create a my Social Security account. With a personal my Social Security account, you can get estimates of your retirement, disability, Medicare and survivors benefits, review your earnings record and much more.
We appreciate your feedback, and thank you for bringing this to our attention.

just called social security at 1-866-755-6323 and spoke to customer service rep who was unprofessional and snippy. here’s a recap of our 5 minutes conversation. without waiting to hear what i have to say, she just said “we don’t need to know, just show up within 30 days for the interview.” i had to try 3 times before she realized my request for a phone interview and she said “what number?” i said “what number? oh you mean the number to call for the phone interview?” she said “yes”. then when i want to find out if there will be an interpreter, i was rudely cut off, “we will take care of everything.” “…” “everything will be taken care of.” me finally: “an interpreter?” “it will be taken care of.” i said thank you, have a nice day and hung up. seriously, need this conversation be like this? it would have taken about 3 minutes for a professional and courteous call: me: “i would like to change the in-person interview to phone interview.” customer rep: “which number would you like us to call you?” me: “will there be an interpreter?” customer rep: “yes. we will take care of everything.” thank you and good bye. nice and sweet. oh well ….

We apologize for the long wait, and regret to hear that we did not provide the level of customer service you expected, Sasha.
We have referred your complaint to our Operations staff to follow up and to take corrective action as necessary. We appreciate your feedback, and thank you for bringing this to our attention.

Hello I have been locked out of my account. The page that it tells me to go to next keeps saying “can’t find page”. I have been looking for a telephone number to call but can’t find one. Any assistance would be appreciated very much.

Hello Glenna. If you encounter a problem with your my Social Security account, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!

My previous direct deposit bank (Chase) has been closed by Chase. My September SS check is scheduled to be directly deposited into that now closed account. What will happen to those monies? I have updated my banking information but it won’t take effect until October.
Thank You!

Hello Gregg. Sometimes -if you change accounts within the same financial institution- the bank will make sure the payment goes to the right account. If that’s not the case, you will have to call us and ask one of our agents to re-send the payment to the new account. Please call us after verifying the payment is not in any of the accounts and that the payment was returned to SSA.
Representatives at our toll free number (1-800-772-1213) are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will experience a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks!

Thanks for your question, Dale. If you already receive Social Security retirement benefits, you will be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B automatically. However, because you must pay a premium for Part B coverage, you have the option of turning it down.
If you are not already getting retirement benefits, you should contact us about three months before your 65th birthday to sign up for Medicare. If you’re still working and covered under a group health plan based on that employment, you may want to file for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) only. However, you should speak to your personnel office, health benefits advisor, or health plan coordinator to see what’s best for you.
We hope this information helps!

Hello Becky. Click here for a list of documents, we may ask your mother to provide, when applying for survivor’s benefits.
You cannot report a death or apply for survivors benefits online, your mother can call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), and speak to a Social Security representative between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. She can also visit the local Social Security office. An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to speak to someone.
We hope this information helps!

Hello Thomas, if you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your my Social Security account, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!

Customer Service…such as hang-ups, forcing redials and then several more hours on hold, then they disconnect again because they closed the office, while I was still on hold long after 7pm??? You mean that kind of customer service?

We are sorry to hear that you had difficulty trying to contact us by phone. If you would like to submit a formal complaint or suggestion, you can write to us or send us an email message. Please keep in mind that many of our services are conveniently available anytime at our website. We encourage our customers to create a my Social Security account. With a personal my Social Security account, you can get estimates of your retirement, disability, Medicare and survivors benefits, review your earnings record and much more.

We appreciate your feedback, and thank you for bringing this to our attention.

I am yet to receive my August 3 social security benefits. On the 6th of August the FBU London office advised me that my benefits would be received on the 6th or 7th of August. All my emails to FBU London are ignored. I am currently living in South Africa and for 9 years my benefits were received on the 3rd of every month. I completed all the forms required for my benefits to be converted to the South African currency. I now owe loan shacks a ton of money. When can I expect this matter to be resolved?

Hi Frank, we are sorry to hear about this inconvenience. Due to security reasons we do not have access to your personal information in this venue, so it’s difficult for us to determine why you have not received a Medicare card.

For assistance, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; or
•Contact your local Social Security office.

My wife started to collect her SS @ age 62 it is only 460 dollars per month, she turning 65 this month, Sept 9 and Medicare is now deducting around $130 p/m from her check leaving her approximately $330 left.
Question I will draw my SS payment @ age 66, can my wife freeze her SS and then draw off my SS account when I start collecting.
Thank You,

Hi Curtis, thank you for using our blog to ask your question. For your wife to qualify for spouse’s benefits on your record, you must be receiving retirement or disability benefits. Also, if your wife is receiving Social Security benefits on her own record, we pay that amount first. But, if she also qualifies for a higher amount on your record as a spouse, she may be able to get a combination of benefits that equals that higher amount.

Hi Gary, thank you for using our blog. Because of privacy and security concerns, you will not be able to conduct Social Security business on behalf of your sister unless you are her representative payee. Having a power of attorney, being an authorized representative, or having a joint bank account with your sister does not authorize you to access information on her Social Security record. If your sister does not have a representative payee and she is not capable of managing and directing her Social Security benefits, someone should consider applying to be her payee. To learn more about becoming a representative payee, you can read our publication, “A Guide for Representative Payees” or visit our Representative Payee webpage. You can also call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to request an appointment.

I have to say that for the most part, my experience with customer service has been fine. The process is long and frustrating, but everyone has been very polite. Until, yesterday, which is what has lead me to this blog. I have been trying to find where I can file a complaint. If you could please lead me in the right direction. Thank you!

I sat on the phone for over an hour, and was not helped. The survey asked if I was happy to leave my phone number and be called back. I wasn’t given that option. Instead I’m sitting here for another hour waiting to be help. As far as I’m concerned 😧 there is no customer service at social securit. My husband died on Friday and I had to put up with this rediculous service

Diana, we are very sorry for your loss and that you are having difficulty reaching someone by phone. We may be experiencing higher than normal call volume.

In most cases, the funeral home will report a person’s death to Social Security. If you want them to do that, you just need to give the deceased’s Social Security Number to the funeral director so they can make the report.

The policies at this office location is extremely inconsistent and incredibly frustrating for my mother, who is SSI recipient. My mother is disabled, hard of hearing, and has limited English proficiency. As her son, I try to help her with navigating through the social security process of receiving the income she is entitled to. However, when I speak to one representative who tells me one thing and I get another representative who tells me another policy, it’s difficult to get anything done. For example, I spoke to one rep. who says that in order to verify that I can speak on behalf of my mother, I would need to have her on the line over the phone to confirm her identity. Then, I speak to another rep. after waiting over an hour, who tells me that my mother would need to be present for me to speak on behalf of her. The logistics involved in having my mother present is challenging and for the SS office to be wholly dismissive of this inconsistency with a perfunctory “I’m sorry, but I can’t help you” response is completely unacceptable.

Hi Minh, thank you for using our blog. We are sorry to hear about the difficulties you are experiencing and understand your frustration. Because of privacy and security concerns, you will not be able to conduct Social Security business on behalf of your mother unless you are her representative payee. Having a power of attorney, being an authorized representative, or having a joint bank account with your mother does not authorize you to access information on her Social Security record. If your mother does not have a representative payee and she is not capable of managing and directing her Social Security benefits, someone should consider applying to be her payee. To learn more about becoming a representative payee, you can read our publication, “A Guide for Representative Payees” or visit our Representative Payee webpage. You can also call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to request an appointment.

If your mother is capable of managing her benefits and would like an interpreter, we provide free interpreter services for those that need help conducting their Social Security business. These interpreter services are available whether you talk to us by phone or in the Social Security office. See our If You Need An Interpreter Web Page for more details.

I applied for a ss card on July 24th., 2018. I am in the US on a K-1 visa….the local ss office will not grant me a ss card saying they are awaiting verification from Homeland Security…..although they have my passport photo…visa…passport number…they will not verify me….Congressman Steven Palazzo’s office has made several inquires and they also cannot get an answer….can you please help me….thanks

We apologize for any inconvenience. We issue three types of Social Security cards. In general, verification from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for work authorization and other immigration documents is required, before assigning a Social Security number.
Unfortunately, but for security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog. Please continue working with the Social Security office or Card Center processing your request for a card. You can request to speak with the office manager to see how we can help to expedite resolution of your situation. Thanks.

I have an account. Some time ago while logging in, I was asked a security question that I’d forgotten. I couldn’t access my account and was told I’d get a letter to reset my Password. A letter never arrived.
Now the site doesn’t recognize my name / ssan / date of birth…
What steps need I take to access the Social Security website?
Thanks ahead!

If you encounter a problem or for assistance with your account, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office.

Customer Service Non-existent. No way to file a complaint about bad customer service, so I have no idea what metrics they are using. I wasted an hour on the phone to make an appointment. I was told I had to go to the “local” office 20 miles away. I took a half day off work, went to the “local” office. Waited 2.5 hours. The lady said I had to call to make an appointment. I told I had called the 800 number and was told I couldn’t make an appointment. She said that I had to call the local office. I pointed out that nowhere on the SSA website was a published phone number for the local office. She said the number was “everywhere.” Basically implying I was a liar or an incompetent. I double checked the local office number is not posted for the page for the local office. The FAQ for making appointments says to call the 800 number which tells you that they are unable to make appointments.

Hi Rick. We are so sorry to hear about the difficulties you encountered working with Social Security. We generally do not publish the phone numbers of our local offices because we have representatives available to assist at our national toll free number from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. business days.

If you would like to submit a formal complaint or suggestion, you can write to us or send us an email message.

Hello Linda. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks!

Hello Veronica. Generally, Social Security benefits are paid the third day of the month, the second, third or fourth Wednesday of the month. Please visit our Schedule of Social Security Payments web page for the current payment dates.
If you have direct deposit, please contact your bank or financial institution first. They may be able to determine why your direct deposit failed.
If you still need to report a late, missing or stolen Social Security payment, call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. or contact your local Social Security office.
If you are due a payment we will take the necessary action to re-issue it as soon as possible. Thanks!

I checked my bank account this morning, and my Social Security check has not been deposited. My first check came on my 66th birthday (June 18th), last month it was in my account on August 15th, so I am surprised that it is not there. Do you know of any reason why it wouldn’t be there yet?

Good Morning, Margie. Please keep in mind that your payment date is determined by the date of birth of the person on whose record you receive benefits.
Generally, Social Security benefits are paid the third day of the month, the second, third or fourth Wednesday of the month. Go to our Schedule of Social Security Payments web page for the current payment dates.
If after checking with your financial institution, you still need to report a missing check, you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
We hope this information helps!

Try to change address, website would not allow setup, phone line said “call back some other time” , so sent letter, which was rejected, must use net, phone or come to office. Being 89 and handicapped This is hardship. Letter should be permitted. With signature is far safer than phone, and smooths workload. Reverse this idiocy.

Hello Bradley. For help with reporting your change of address, and if you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your my Social Security account, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!

Immediate problem is resolved; however, would like to know why mail notification of address change is no longer allowed. It is a standard business practice, and with a signature is less vulnerable to fraud than a phone call. Further, it spreads the workload, and avoids the problems of dealing with the hard of hearing, I suspect the majority of callers.

Maybe I can get help through this. 2 yrs ago I made a trip to SS office to have the Day of my birthdate changed back to the right day. Brought proof and it was taking care of. Now, 2 yrs later my Medicare is not covering, and I can’t make an account with Medicare as it don’t find me. So, call medicare office, they say call SS office. SS is suppose to let medicare know of changes. Birthdate of course. So, I call. Said you need to come to SS office. Not to happy I am as a make another trip with proof of Birthday. She give me a paper to show I was there. give SS 4-6 weeks. well, its been almost 6 months and SS still has not contacted Medicare of the birthday change. I’m very upset that someone is NOT DOING THEIR JOB!!!!! Medicare is not allowed to call SS to find out if there is changes in somebody, when theres a complaint as this. If I can’t get any help here!!! Does anyone else know what I can do???? This is a joke.

We apologize for any inconvenience, Ricky. Unfortunately, but for security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog.
Please continue working with your local Social Security office. You can request to speak with the manager to see how we can help to expedite resolution of your situation. If you are unable to visit the local office, you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week.
Also, to submit your comment, complaint or suggestion, you can write to us or send us an email message. Thanks!

After applying for my retirement benefits I received a email from Pamela Williams. She requested I call her. I anticipated a long wait on the phone. It turned out to be totally opposite. She answered my call immediately, and was extremely nice, and helpful. I don’t usually comment, but she was excellent!

I had a terrible experience with the site in Orlando Florida. I am a retired Air Force vet, sent a letter in the mail from B. Roeff stating to visit the office 5520 Gatlin before 2 Oct 2018. When my number was called a presented the letter to the rep who informed me the gentleman was not at work today and to come back. Initially I didn’t hear in detail what the rep stated. I asked her to repeat, she gave me a dirty look and threw my Retiree ID card at me and repeated what she said. Her name was Corinnn at window C. On the back of her computer was “Footsteps” along with other sayings and poems. I understand if I was rude but I wasn’t I just couldn’t hear her, that’s one of my disabilities

Hello Carol. Social Security Administration (SSA) employees occasionally contact citizens by telephone for customer-service purposes. An SSA employee may call you in limited situations, such as if you recently filed a claim or have other Social Security business that are pending. In only a few limited special situations, usually already known to the citizen, an SSA employee may request the citizen to confirm personal information over the phone.The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which receives and analyzes public complaints related to identity theft, recently reported to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) an increase in reports of suspicious phone calls from people claiming to be SSA employees.
If a person has questions about any communication—email, letter, text or phone call—that claims to be from SSA or the OIG, please contact your local Social Security office, or call Social Security’s toll-free customer service number at 1-800-772-1213, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, to verify its legitimacy (TTY number at 1-800-325-0778). Citizens may -also- report that information to the OIG at 1-800-269-0271 or online via https://oig.ssa.gov/report. Thanks!

I should like to thank Marjorie Rival in the Middletown,CT office for her prompt, professional, patient and knowledgeable help with my problem. She is a credit to her Middletown, CT office specifically, and to the SS Agency in general. Job well done!

We thank you for your kind words, James! Our employees are committed to providing the public with the best service possible. We will be sure to pass along your note as it helps us know we have made a difference to those we serve every day.

Hi Mark: See our Frequently Asked Questions web page for information on how to retrieve or change your password. If you encounter a problem, you may call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”.

Hello Deanna. Your new Medicare card should show your name, your new Medicare number and the Medicare benefit you’re currently entitled to. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and speak to one of our agents for further assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week.
For general information about Medicare, visit our web page: Medicare Benefits. Thanks!

Hi Gulten: See our Frequently Asked Questions web page for information on how to retrieve or change your password. If you encounter a problem, you may call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”.

I have a “my social security” account but cannot get into it because I opened it so long ago. When social security asks a question about it, like your user name I put in Virginia J Boykin, when they ask your ss# I put in my social security #, then they tell me that some of my information is incorrect and to correct it. I don’t know what to give them. Can you help me?

Hello Virginia. If you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your my Social Security account, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office.
Just a reminder – Please be cautious about posting personal information on social media channels. Thanks!

I need to change my direct deposit for next month. I have had extremely difficult time getting this done on line,Apparently my husband set up my account and I had no record of what the user name or password were, I have been again cut off from internet access because of my failed attempts. I worry that the later in the month that I provide the new bank # the less likely that it will happen in one month.

Hello Beverly. If you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your my Social Security account, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office.
Any of our representatives can assist you in updating or verifying the direct deposit information on your benefit’s record. Thanks!

is money from a 401k considerd earned income by the ssa? If so then the$14040 comes into play. divide by 12 than multiphy by the months she is on ss. My wife turns 65 next may. I know we have to pay income tax on it than you

why the hell am I getting disconnected every time I call social security office at 1-800-772-1213? I was put on hole over an hour and I hear “someone” picking up the phone and next thing I know I get disconnected without any voice over the phone. I can definitely hear someone picking up the phone but they keep hanging up without greeting, why is that? what kind of idiots do you guys hire at your office? happened yesterday and today. wasting my time

Hello Marianne. Generally, -under regular enrollment periods- your Medicare card will arrive in the mail in about 30 days after we process your request, at the address you have on file with Social Security.
Please note that in most cases, if you don’t sign up for Medicare Part B when you’re first eligible, you’ll have to wait for the General Enrollment Period (Jan through March of each year), and pay a late enrollment penalty. However, a beneficiary may refuse Medicare Part B, during his or her Initial Enrollment Period, if that beneficiary or the spouse, actively works and has coverage under a group health plan based on that employment, then he or she doesn’t need Medicare part B until the work activity ends or that health care coverage is dropped. In this case, you will need a certification from your employer, showing you have been covered under that employer’s group health plan.
We recommend that you call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 to follow up on your request and to speak to one of our agents for further assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Or contact your local Social Security office directly.
To learn more about the Medicare enrollment periods visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page on Medicare. Thanks!

Hello Kirk, to make a correction of your date of birth on your Social Security record, you will have to complete an Application for a Social Security Card, and provide us with supporting (original) documents.
In your case we will need to see your birth certificate and other document as proof of your identity. We can accept only certain documents as proof of identity. An acceptable document must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age) and, preferably, a recent photograph. For example, as proof of identity Social Security must see your U.S. driver’s license or State-issued non-driver identification card, or your U.S. passport.
Remember, all documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency.
When ready, you can take or mail your completed application and documents to your local Social Security office or the nearest Social Security Card Center in your area. Thanks!

I’m having a problem trying to get a replacement ss card. I’ve lost mine. Someone is using my ssn. I recieve an identity theft number from the irs every year so i can file my taxes. I’ve recently gotten a new job and need a ss card. The “create your account” has blocked me for 24 hrs because I’ve never lived at any addresses or have any of the credit cards this other guy has. Can anyone help me??

I have a acct online and started my application for ss benefits…but put my ss#…signing up with Husbands benefits…I don’t know how to change form…won’t allow me to…How can I restart without loosing my acct? Thanks for any help you can provide.

I got a letter about owing for a over payment. I have tried mult times to talk with someone. But kept getting hung up on and told to call back later. I have kept trying still
no one has called me back and have till the 24th to take care of this. Can someone help me I don’t have the funds to give you back. I just had my 3rd Cancer surgery
any money I have is going toward my surgery can you please help me.

We are sorry that you had difficulty reaching someone by phone, Duane. We may have been experiencing higher than normal call volume.
For security reasons, we do not have access to information about your account in this venue. To request “partial withholding of your benefits” to repay the overpayment, you will have to contact one of our agents.
You have 60 days from the date you received the original overpayment notice to file an appeal. If you believe you shouldn’t have to pay the money back, you
can request that we waive collection of the overpayment. There’s no time limit for filing a waiver.
If you are unable to visit your local office, please call us again. When calling our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, you will -generally- experience a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks.

My Name is Allyson Tuggle. I was approved
For SSiI Benefits in Dec2017. I got $490
Dollars and through 2018 So far $500dollars
I told MrsMeeks I get no/kind help from
My parents to pay my $200 rent to them
And $50 Dollars in Utilities. She will not
Increase it to $750 dollars and I have no
Other income. I need the &750 but
The Monroe St office will not help me
I have never worked because I am
Sick.Please someone help me
Allyson Tuggle
XXXXX Fox Dr
Memphis, Tenn 38141
901281-3093
My parents are old and I need
Help before they die.
S.S.9668

Hello Allyson. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot assist you at this time. Please continue working with your local office.
If you are unable to visit the local office, you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week.Just a reminder – We do not have access to personal information, please be cautious about posting personal information on social media channels.
Thanks!

I got a call from the SSA number that there was a problem with my SS#. I pressed #1 to speak to an agent. When the man answered, I asked what this call is about? I was disconnected. Now, I have calling the number back-yes, it is SSA, and have been on hold 54 minutes and still holding! What the heck is going on?

We’re sorry that you’re having difficulty reaching someone by phone. We may be experiencing higher than normal call volume. Social Security Administration (SSA) employees occasionally contact citizens by telephone for customer-service purposes. An SSA employee may call you in limited situations, such as if you recently filed a claim or have other Social Security business that are pending. In only a few limited special situations, usually already known to the citizen, an SSA employee may request the citizen to confirm personal information over the phone.
Generally, when calling our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, you will experience a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks!

Great news, Anne. Social Security offers an online retirement application that you can complete in as little as 15 minutes. It’s so easy!
Also, you can use our Retirement Estimator to get estimates of your future benefits based on your actual Social Security earnings. Or you can create a my Social Security account to review your earnings record, and get estimates of your retirement benefits.
Thanks, we hope this information helps!

Sorry. It appears that the latest ID thieves are simply continuing to steal all that is mine yet! Despite my constant notifying your agency about the ongoing thefts and robbing which has continued since I was 12 years old, back in 1964, I believe. Unfortunately, since Social Security Administration apparently chose to fabricate that I was not alive, while they simply gave all my finances and support, along with my house, land, car, disability support and policeman’s protection and more! Just how can I now deal with all this? Especially since your refusal to maintain any contact with me, but routinely threatened me every time I was truthful with Social Security. And Social security representatives routinely said they would arrest me for me actually being truthful!
Any way I could find out how to get all the millions which has been stolen because Social Security figured that my extensive open brain injuries and permanent handicaps, presented in Court so I would receive the correct assistance and help I have needed during all the years in which my multiple doctors have been operating on my brain and face and head, and more. Simply to make me appear to be a “normal” human again. AND, since your office constantly appear to have given my mother all she wanted by sending her my mail (illegally under her name, of course), so she figures never should anything I need anyway, at least according to the criminals who have abused her and me for the past years since 1964 up to now… Just what can I do to correct and receive the actually help and assistance I need. And have needed while all my correct records have been stolen and benefited all the multiple Identity thieves which you have given all that was mine! I know my mother is not who did all the wrongly doing that has happened to me for some 50+ years now! So… just what can I do? My contact or any attempt to communicate with me, if you ever will actually do it finally. (As your agency never did bother to do so all the time I asked for it before)! And maybe I will get it. And maybe I will not! As I never have been able to get any of my prior six (6) computers I used to try to communicate with your agency or my permanent Social Security Disability Representatives to ever respond to any questions and request for help!!!…
I am NOT married. And my Final Divorce Court records appear to have been stolen. Just like my prior marriage was stolen. And my birth records were all stolen in Longview’s city. I was born at St. John’s Hospital there. And still no one’s bothered to ever help me, as I have always been lied to, rather than helped or any follow through as I have needed! So I don’t know it this computer will work for me to receive any message from my prior computer name: sonisbest@gmail.com. But let’s try at least. So I can find if I will get the help I need to get my correct permanent disability classification to be provided so I will survive, despite the extensive injuries and handicaps which I now have. Try my Email above. My current name is now Jean Barbara Minsky. I delivered that information and its confirmation legal copies of my birth certificate and more. Any explanation why I am still having to continually try to get some government agencies to quit their refusal to maintain any concern about the truth at all!? Or is that simply due to my ex-husband who is a policeman, who chose to fabricate me as a lot of what he never has known about all the abuse and false representations and assistances I have regularly never received! I’d appreciate to recieve some response, so Let’s try FINALLY! Jean B Minsky

Hello Gerard. If you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your my Social Security account, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!

I am waiting for a letter from Social Security re my change of address. I went to the Texas SS office directly and was told I receive a letter in 2 weeks which
I still have not received. I was there going on four weeks ago. I went to give them my correct address.
Please help me!

If you get SSI, do not have a U.S. mailing address, or are unable to change your address online, you can:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; or
•Contact your local Social Security office.

If you do not receive Social Security benefits, SSI or Medicare, you do not need to change your address with us.

Hello Robert. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot assist you in this matter at this time.
You will need to speak to one of our agents. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Or contact your local Social Security office directly. Thanks!

Customer service is not what you do. You give us access to what is rightfully ours. I have been trying to make an appointment for over two weeks and have wasted over 2 hours on hold to speak to anyone. I have sent 2 emails, but no reply. I need to make an appointment at a local office, but you cannot do that online and must wait on hold until someone answers the call. If you need to hire more people to service the 60 million recipients of social security benefits, then do it. My time is more important than sitting on hold for hours.

We’re sorry that your wife had difficulty reaching someone by phone, David. We may have been experiencing higher than normal call volume.
She can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will experience shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week.
Remember, most Social Security business do not require a visit to a local field office. Many services, including applying for retirement, disability and Medicare benefits, are conveniently available anytime at our website.
We hope this information helps!